DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ 'Unsafe' intercepts of Australian anti-submarine aircraft by Chinese fighter jets hint at what they may be guarding so aggressively, naval expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Ella Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Chinese fighter jets are targeting Australian aircraft able to detect submarines with risky air maneuvers. Chinese aircraft interfering with Australian aircraft is reminiscent of Soviet Cold War-era harassment. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementChinese fighter jets keep targeting Australian aircraft capable of finding and defeating submarines with hazardous maneuvers, suggesting that subs may be what the Chinese jets are guarding so fiercely.

Persons: —, Justin Burke, Lowy Organizations: Australian, Service, China, National Security College, Business Locations: China, Sydney

☆ Iran's aerial attack on Israel was based on Russian tactics in Ukraine, war experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Iran's aerial attack on Israel mirrored Russian tactics in Ukraine, according to analysts. Another analyst disagreed, saying Iran used similar tactics long before Russia's full-scale invasion. AdvertisementSome military analysts are comparing Iran's attempt to bombard Israel over the weekend with Russian tactics in Ukraine. The IDF estimated that the attack used 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles. He pointed to Iran's 2019 attack on two major Saudi oil refineries, which also reportedly used drones combined with cruise missiles.

Persons: —, Brian Carter, Frederick W, Kagan, Fabian Hinz, Hinz, Carter, Rodger Shanahan, it's, Israel, Shanahan Organizations: Service, Israel Defense Forces, American Enterprise, IDF, London's International, for Strategic Studies, CBS, Lowy Institute, ABC News Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Iran, ABC News Australia, Damascus, Syria

☆ Russia is 'more dangerous' now than when it first invaded, former general reports after returning from Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Ella Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Retired Australian Army Maj. Gen. Mick Ryan advocates for a change in Ukraine's war strategy. Ryan suggests Ukraine needs to push its narrative in Western media to counter Russia's influence. The Russian military has changed its warfighting capabilities, and the defense industry has been kicked into gear. Ukraine, he argued, must push its narrative to get through to Western media and dispute Russia's declarations of expected victory. Ryan said NATO and other partner nations should consider switching their perception of providing support from "defend Ukraine" to "defeat Russia in Ukraine."

Persons: Mick Ryan, Ryan, —, Jose Colon, Kurt Campbell, Chris Cavoli, Cavoli, Ukraine's Da, Kostiantyn Organizations: Australian Army, Service, Lowy Institute ., Russian Army, Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, AP, Ukraine, NATO, Ukraine's Da Vinci Wolves, Kyiv Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Australian, Australia, Lowy Institute . Russia, Lyman, Donetsk Oblast, Ukrainian, United States, Washington

☆ Why Australia keeps an arm’s length from South China Sea tensions, even as it draws closer with the Philippines
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the Australian Parliament last week there was no mistaking the fighting talk. The Philippines accused China's coast guard of setting up the barrier at the mouth of the disputed fishing ground. That meeting will also be attended by several other nations with territorial disagreements with China – including Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said Australia was unlikely to back any tough language at the summit pertaining to the South China Sea or any other hot-button issue. As Bisley put it, “We don’t like what China does, but we’re not going to put ourselves in harm’s way.”

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, ”, Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte, –, Thomas Shoal, David, China’s, Marcos ’, China –, Scott Morrison, Collin Koh, Penny Wong annouced, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, Lukas Coch, Susannah Patton, it’s, ” Patton, China’s aggressions, Wang Wenbin, Nick Bisley, Bisley, we’re Organizations: CNN, Maxar, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, China, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Australia, Australian, Partners, Reuters, South China, Southeast Asia, Lowy Institute, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, La Trobe University Locations: Philippines, China, South China, Manila, China’s, Philippine, Scarborough, Scarborough Shoal, Hague, United States, Canberra, Australia, Melbourne, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Beijing, Singapore, South, Penny Wong annouced Canberra, Southeast Asia, Japan, India

☆ 'Strategic convergence' defines Philippine-Australia partnership, analyst says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via Email'Strategic convergence' defines Philippine-Australia partnership, analyst saysAbdul Rahman Yaacob, research fellow at the Lowy Institute's Southeast Asia Program, discusses the implications that their strategic partnership might have for South China Sea relations, saying that "strategic convergence" entails "maritime security, freedom of navigation" and closer military cooperation.

Persons: Abdul Rahman Yaacob Organizations: Lowy, Asia Program, China Locations: Philippine, Australia

☆ Opinion: Jon Stewart’s brilliant return
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Opinion Bill Carter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images Stewart waves goodbye backstage after taping the last episode of "The Jon Stewart Show" in 1995. M. Caulfield/WireImage/Getty Images Stewart appears on an episode of CNN's "Crossfire" with Paul Begala, left, and Tucker Carlson in 2004. Ethan Miller/Getty Images Stewart signs an autograph on the Emmys red carpet in 2009. Zach Gibson/Getty Images Stewart appears on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in 2019. Scott Kowalchyk/CBS/Getty Images Stewart smiles as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks by him on Capitol Hill in 2019.

Persons: Bill Carter, CNN —, Bill Carter Bill Carter, Jon Stewart, ” Stewart’s, Stewart, “, ”, Joe Biden, Travis Kelce, ” Stewart, —, Abdel Fattah el, Biden, ” Jon Stewart, Victoria Will, College of William & Mary, William, Mary Athletics Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Lesly Weiner, Mike Piazza, Jeff Kravitz, Catherine McGann, Ron Galella, Jennifer Beals, Guillermo Diaz, Universal Pictures Stewart, Tracey McShane, Steve Eichner, Adam Sandler, Corey Sipkin, Paul Begala, Tucker Carlson, CNN Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Colbert, Scott Gries, Todd Plitt, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms, Samantha Bee —, Ethan Miller, Kevork Djansezian, Mark Peterson, Bill Kotsatos, Nathan, Maggie, Tomorrowland Speedway, David Roark, Benjamin Lowy, Bill O'Reilly, Jamie McCarthy, Valentino, Tracey, Jo, Anne McArthur, Barack Obama, Pete Souza, Trevor Noah, Noah, Brad Barket, Comedy Central Stewart, Alex Wong, Rossum, James Devaney, John Feal, Zach Gibson, Scott Kowalchyk, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Bill Clark, Twain, Kevin Wolf, Matt Wilson, Donald Trump, Biden’s forgetfulness, Trump, Jack Paar, Dulcé Sloan Organizations: The New York Times, CNN, HBO, Comedy Central, “ CBS, Super, College of William &, Mary Athletics, MTV, Getty, Miramax, Everett, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Television Critics Association, Caulfield, MTV Networks, Comedy, Tomorrowland, Walt Disney, Disney, Cancer Moonshot Initiative, New York Knicks, FealGood, CBS, Kennedy Center, Performing Arts, Daily, Democratic, Biden Locations: TikTok, Gaza, Mexico, Egypt, Williamsburg , Virginia, New York, Washington , DC, Florida, Washington ,, Pennsylvania

☆ Jon Stewart marks ‘The Daily Show’ return
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images Stewart waves goodbye backstage after taping the last episode of "The Jon Stewart Show" in 1995. Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images Stewart holds an award won by "The Daily Show" in 2003. M. Caulfield/WireImage/Getty Images Stewart appears on an episode of CNN's "Crossfire" with Paul Begala, left, and Tucker Carlson in 2004. Scott Kowalchyk/CBS/Getty Images Stewart smiles as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks by him on Capitol Hill in 2019. Matt Wilson/Comedy Central's The Daily Show Jon Stewart is back on "The Daily Show."

Persons: Jon Stewart, Jack Paar’s, Stewart, “, Taylor Swift, ”, ” Stewart, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Victoria Will, College of William & Mary, William, Mary Athletics Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Lesly Weiner, Mike Piazza, Jeff Kravitz, Catherine McGann, Ron Galella, Jennifer Beals, Guillermo Diaz, Universal Pictures Stewart, Tracey McShane, Steve Eichner, Adam Sandler, Corey Sipkin, Paul Begala, Tucker Carlson, CNN Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Colbert, Scott Gries, Todd Plitt, —, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms, Samantha Bee —, Ethan Miller, Kevork Djansezian, Mark Peterson, Bill Kotsatos, Nathan, Maggie, Tomorrowland Speedway, David Roark, Benjamin Lowy, Bill O'Reilly, Jamie McCarthy, Valentino, Tracey, Jo, Anne McArthur, Barack Obama, Pete Souza, Trevor Noah, Noah, Brad Barket, Comedy Central Stewart, Biden, Alex Wong, Rossum, James Devaney, John Feal, Zach Gibson, Scott Kowalchyk, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Bill Clark, Twain, Kevin Wolf, Matt Wilson, Robert Hur’s, Trump, Dulcé Sloan, ” Jordan Klepper Organizations: CNN, Comedy Central, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, College of William &, Mary Athletics, MTV, Getty, Miramax, Everett, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Television Critics Association, Caulfield, MTV Networks, Comedy, Tomorrowland, Walt Disney, Disney, Cancer Moonshot Initiative, New York Knicks, FealGood, CBS, Kennedy Center, Performing Arts, Daily Locations: Williamsburg , Virginia, New York, Washington , DC, Florida, Washington ,

☆ Indonesians head to the polls in February. Here are key issues dominating the elections
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-04 | by ( Randy Mulyanto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Indonesia is preparing to hold general elections for president and vice president for the 2024-2029 period in February 2024. The world's third-largest democracy will open its polls to over 204 million eligible voters casting their ballots, according to its General Elections Commission. While having greater opposition representation in Indonesia's parliament could raise the bar for passing such laws, Titi said there's still a very high barrier to entry for the candidacy process. According to Freedom House's Freedom in the World 2023 report, Indonesia ranked "partly free," scoring 58 out of 100. But for some Indonesians, the cozier relationship has also sparked debt-trap fears and concerns about an influx of Chinese workers.

Persons: Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar, Aditya Irawan, Joko, Widodo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Muhaimin Iskandar, Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo, Gibran, Anies, Titi Anggraini, Titi, there's, Indonesia's, Singapore's ISEAS — Yusof, Lina Alexandra Organizations: Nurphoto, Getty, JAKARTA —, Commission, Solo, National Awakening Party, Central Java, Politik, Nusantara, Association for Elections, Democracy, CNBC, Constitutional, House's, Institute, Indonesia's, of Economic, Law Studies, Initiative, Strategic, International Studies, Hamas, Lowy Institute Locations: Jakarta, Indonesia, JAKARTA, JAKARTA — Indonesia, Central, Politik Indonesia, Nusantara, Borneo, China, Beijing, Southeast Asia, Southeast, Israel, Australian

These interviews have been edited for length:HOUSTON — A longtime resident of Houston, Monica Fulton, 51, prioritizes giving to organizations serving the city’s residents. That changed in 2018 when she helped organize a group of donors who pool their funds to support small organizations serving women and girls on Chicago’s South Side. The giving circle makes relatively small grants to organizations that have budgets of less than $500,000, where those grants can make a big difference. During the height of the pandemic, they took an online training through the organization Philanthropy Together about how to run a giving circle. “They trust that the group is doing the vetting and that their money’s going to a good cause.

Persons: Monica Fulton, She’s, ”, Fulton, “, Alicia Bailey, Bailey, ” Bailey, she's, I’ve, Ruben Brooks, Brooks, Ezekiel Taylor, ” Brooks, it's, ___, — Lynne Garfinkel, Pam Lowy, ” Lowy, Garfinkel, GivingTuesday Organizations: Associated Press, Houston Food Bank, Fulton, ”, Chicago Foundation for Women, ATLANTA, American, Atlanta Beltline, Big Brothers, Sisters, America, of Georgia, Ezekiel Taylor Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc, AP Locations: Houston, Panama, Chicagoland, Atlanta, ___ LAFAYETTE, Lafayette, Boulder , Colorado

☆ Analyst discusses warming security ties between the U.S. and Philippines
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailAnalyst discusses warming security ties between the U.S. and PhilippinesRahman Yaacob, research fellow at the Lowy Institute's Southeast Asia program, says China will likely be more comfortable if Donald Trump returns as U.S. President next year.

Persons: Philippines Rahman Yaacob, Donald Trump Organizations: U.S, Lowy Locations: Philippines, Asia, China

Biden and Xi try direct diplomacyThe mood music was upbeat but pragmatic after the first face-to-face meeting in a year between President Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. There was no joint communiqué after Wednesday’s talks, but both sides issued positive statements trumpeting where they found common ground, including on tackling climate change and improving communications. The leaders agreed to restart military communications that were suspended last year after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the House, visited Taiwan. Larry Fink of BlackRock and Steve Schwarzman of Blackstone reportedly sat at the Chinese leader’s table. The measure would keep the federal government funded through early next year, clearing the way for President Biden to sign the legislation.

Persons: Biden, Xi, Wednesday’s, Nancy Pelosi, —, Larry Fink, BlackRock, Steve Schwarzman, Blackstone, Tim Cook, Albert Bourla, Ray Dalio, ” Richard McGregor, DealBook, “, they’re, Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Nelson, Trian Organizations: Hyatt Regency, Apple, Pfizer, Bridgewater Associates, Lowy Institute, SpaceX, Tesla, Nvidia, Disney, ValueAct Capital, 13D, Microsoft Locations: San Francisco, U.S, Taiwan, China, Beijing, Iran, Israel, Australia, Ukraine

☆ Captured Hamas weapons hint that if Israeli forces invade Gaza, they could face a deadly improvised bomb that US troops feared in Iraq
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A video released by the IDF shows captured Hamas weapons from the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel. EFPs were some of the deadliest explosives US forces faced in Iraq, ripping through troops and armor. That could be a problem for IDF troops in a ground offensive in the strip. Israeli forces could still face EFPs hidden in the rubble, complex tunnel networks, or roads. That could spell trouble for IDF troops, of which hundreds of thousands have volunteered or been called up to serve over the past weeks.

Persons: —, John Spencer, Spencer, Qassem Soleimani, Benjamin Lowy, Israel Organizations: IDF, Service, Israel Defense Force, Israel Defense Forces, MSNBC, US Army, Urban Warfare, Modern, Twitter, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, Pentagon, Quds Force, Air Force, Washington Post, Getty, United Nations Locations: Israel, Iraq, Gaza, Iranian, Iran, EFPs, Hawr Rajab, Lebanon

☆ Fiji and Australia boost cyber security cooperation
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka addresses the 78th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., September 22, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Fiji and Australia will cooperate on cyber security, with Australia also boosting aid to its Pacific Islands neighbour under an enhanced partnership, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said after meeting his Fijian counterpart on Wednesday. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, on his first three-day official visit to Australia since becoming leader in December, said the relationship with Australia was warm. Under Rabuka's government, Fiji has put a decade-old policing agreement with China on hold, and sought to increase defence ties with Australia. Albanese said Australia had agreed to provide more budget support to Fiji "to help economic recovery and to boost growth", and would sell it 14 Bushmaster protected vehicles to support the Fiji military's peacekeeping operations around the world.

Persons: Mike Segar, Anthony Albanese, Sitiveni Rabuka, Rabuka, Albanese, Kirsty Needham, Lincoln Organizations: United Nations General Assembly, REUTERS, Rights, Australian, Fijian, Fiji, Australia, Lowy Institute, Pacific, Fiji military's, Thomson Locations: Fiji, U.N, New York City , New York, U.S, Australia, China, Canberra, United States

☆ China's Belt and Road Initiative is 'basically over,' analyst says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailChina's Belt and Road Initiative is 'basically over,' analyst saysRichard McGregor, senior fellow at the Lowy Institute, discusses the gathering of world leaders in Beijing for the country's Belt and Road Initiative forum, which he says is "backward-looking and forward-looking."

Persons: Richard McGregor Organizations: Initiative, Lowy Institute Locations: Beijing

☆ Australian journalist Cheng Lei back home after China release
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/6] Australian journalist Cheng Lei poses for a selfie at an unknown location in this undated picture obtained by Reuters on August 11, 2023. Nicholas Coyle/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who had been detained in China on national security charges for more than three years, returned home on Wednesday after being released, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Cheng, who was tried in secret in March 2022, arrived in Melbourne and has been reunited with her two children and family, Albanese told a press conference. Albanese said he expected to visit China this year and told reporters dialogue with China was "a good thing". Albanese said Australia "continued to advocate" for another detained Australian journalist, Yang Hengjun, who has been held since January 2019.

Persons: Cheng Lei, Nicholas Coyle, Handout, Anthony Albanese, Cheng, Albanese, Penny Wong, I've, Xi Jinping, Ryan Neelam, " Albanese, Yang Hengjun, Yang, Adam Ni, Kirsty Needham, Laurie Chen, Alasdair Pal, Clarence Fernandez, Miral Organizations: Reuters, REUTERS, Rights, Australia's, Lowy Institute, Independent, Thomson Locations: Australian, China, Melbourne, Australia, Beijing, Independent China, Canberra, Sydney

Ahead of a White House welcome for the leaders, Biden announced U.S. diplomatic recognition of two more Pacific islands nations, the Cook Islands and Niue. The White House said this year it would focus on priorities including climate change, economic growth, sustainable development, public health and countering illegal fishing. In Baltimore on Sunday, Pacific island leaders visited a Coast Guard cutter in the harbor and were briefed on combating illegal fishing by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, an official said. The White House in 2022 said the U.S. would invest more than $810 million in expanded programs to aid the Pacific islands. She added that Pacific island countries "welcome the U.S. re-engagement with the region, but don't want geopolitical tussles to result in an escalation of militarization."

Persons: Joe Biden, Walter E, Elizabeth Frantz, Biden, Manasseh Sogavare, Washington, Sogavare, Meg Keen, Sato Kilman, Kilman, Ishmael Kalsakau, David Brunnstrom, Trevor Hunnicutt, Kirsty Needham, Don Durfee, Grant McCool Organizations: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Washington Convention Center, REUTERS, Rights, Pacific, NFL, White, U.S ., Niue, Sunday, Coast Guard, Sunday's National Football League, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Solomon, Biden, Australia's Lowy Institute, USAID, Vanuatu, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Washington, Cook Islands, Niue, The U.S, Papua New Guinea, U.S, Asia, Cook, Baltimore, Pacific, China, Beijing, Congress, Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Kiribati, Hawaii, Palau, Micronesia, Marshall, Sydney

During the three-day meeting, the U.S. will announce diplomatic recognition for two Pacific islands, promise new money for infrastructure, including to improve Internet connectivity via undersea cables, and honor regional leaders at an NFL game. SOME SKIP SUMMITSolomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who has deepened his country's ties with China, will skip the summit. The White House in 2022 said the U.S. would invest more than $810 million in expanded programs to aid the Pacific islands. She added that Pacific island countries "welcome the U.S. re-engagement with the region, but don't want geopolitical tussles to result in an escalation of militarization. "Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman will also not attend the summit, his office told Reuters.

Persons: Manasseh Sogavare, James Marape, David Kabua, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Joe Biden, Biden, Washington, Sogavare, Meg Keen, Sato Kilman, Kilman, Ishmael Kalsakau, David Brunnstrom, Trevor Hunnicutt, Kirsty Needham, Don Durfee, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Solomon Islands, Guinea's, Samoa's, U.S ., NFL, White, Coast Guard, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Solomon, Biden, Pacific, Australia's Lowy Institute, USAID, Vanuatu, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Solomon, Papua, Marshall, U.S, WASHINGTON, Washington, Papua New Guinea, Asia, United States, Cook, Niue, Baltimore, Pacific, China, Beijing, Congress, Australia, The U.S, Vanuatu, Fiji, Kiribati, Hawaii, Palau, Micronesia, Sydney

From a survey data perspective, the countries’ moves up the Best Countries list come as they gained in some of the project’s 10 subrankings. In the Best Countries rankings, Neelam points to Australia performing well on an assessment of whether a country is perceived as corrupt. While she announced her resignation in January – before the Best Countries survey was fielded – Neelam says he “wouldn’t discount the Ardern factor” in New Zealand’s rankings rise. New Zealand does have other things going for it that mirror Australia in some ways. Murray, of Karamea, says the country – considered the most scenic among respondents to the Best Countries survey, with Australia at No.

Persons: Paul Murray, I’ve, he’s, ., –, Austin Billimack, he’d, “ Oz ”, ” Billimack, Zealand’s, Murray, Ryan Neelam, it’s, “, ”, Allan Behm, “ We're, Anthony Albanese, Scott Morrison, Albanese, Behm, Morrison, Morrison . New, Jacinda Ardern, – Neelam, Barack, Obama, Eric Crampton, Crampton, Ardern’s, Karamea Organizations: ” Global, U.S . News, FIFA, Australia, New Zealand, Lowy Institute, The Australia Institute, Labor Party, Best, New Zealand Initiative, Zealand Locations: Karamea, New, New Zealand, . Murray, Auckland, Wellington, Australia, Melbourne, Wisconsin, Australia’s, Oceania, Sydney, Australian, Canberra, Nauru, Morrison ., Christchurch , New Zealand, –, Canada

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — It took more than a day of flying, including two refueling stops, for Vice President Kamala Harris to reach this year’s summit of Southeast Asian countries. Political Cartoons on World Leaders View All 226 ImagesPolitical Cartoons View All 1146 ImagesThis was her third trip to Southeast Asia since taking office — Harris heads back to Washington on Thursday — and she's visited more countries here than any other region. Harris' approval ratings remain underwater, and her announcements in Southeast Asia tend to be counted in the millions of dollars rather than the billions. “Everybody works their own way.”Harris' travel to Southeast Asia began in her first year in office, when she visited Singapore and Vietnam, but the trip almost didn't happen. But she’s put in the work," said Gregory B. Poling, who directs the Southeast Asia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Harris, ”, ” Harris, — Harris, she's, “, Jake Sullivan, Joe Biden’s, she’s, Sullivan, Dinna Prapto, Phil Gordon, ” Gordon, Gregory B, Poling, David Rothkopf, Bill Clinton, there’s “, Biden didn't, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, it’s, Edna Tarigan Organizations: United, Associated Press, Lowy Institute, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, U.S, ”, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Economic Cooperation, AP Locations: JAKARTA, Indonesia, United States, Washington, Southeast Asia, China, Central America, Asia, Australia, Beijing, Jakarta, Singapore, Vietnam, Afghanistan, South China, Thailand, Philippines, U.S, Philippine, Palawan

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the plenary session of the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 23, 2023. More than 10 envoys from these countries stationed in China detailed to Reuters the increasing difficulty they face getting access to Chinese officials and other sources of information on the world's second-largest economy. When meetings are arranged, Chinese officials stick rigidly to scripted comments, the diplomats said, while some added they experienced hostile behaviour from nationalistic academics. However, envoys from two countries which enjoy close relations with China said they had experienced no such problems. "To Chinese officials, the benefits of such engagements have become less evident, while the political and security risks are growing."

Persons: Xi Jinping, GIANLUIGI, Ryan Neelam, Xi, Li Qiang, Vladimir Putin, COVID, Emmanuel Macron, Antony Blinken, Yun Sun, Sun, Tong Zhao, Martin Quin Pollard, Laurie Chen, John Geddie, Nick Macfie Organizations: Rights, Reuters, Lowy Institute, China Program, Stimson, Washington D.C, U.S, Carnegie Endowment, International, Thomson Locations: Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, Rights BEIJING, China, India, Beijing, Australian, Hong Kong, Russia, Ukraine, Taiwan, New Delhi, Moscow, Washington

☆ Ukrainian tanks are being wiped out by Russian minefields. The country needs its own 'Manhattan Project' to figure out how to clear them, a retired general told the NYT.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Ukrainian military might need to create its own solutions, a retired army general told the Times. Ukraine uses the US-provided M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) systems, which Zaluzhny told the Post "are also being destroyed," per the Post. "Ukraine needs a Manhattan Project for mine clearing," Ryan told the Times, referring to the US project to build the world's first atomic bomb during World War 2. Beyond the minefields, the two-month offensive to take back territories claimed by Russia has become a significant challenge for Ukrainian troops dealing with heavily fortified defenses from their opponents. At the same time, Ukrainian troops waited for weapons from the West.

Persons: Valery Zaluzhny, Mick Ryan, Zaluzhny, Ryan, George Barros, Insider's Chris Panella Organizations: Times, Service, The New York Times, Washington Post, Lowy Institute, Russian, Project, Institute for, Ukraine Ministry of Defense Locations: Ukrainian, Wall, Silicon, Ukraine, Western, Australian, Russia

☆ Like strongman, like son? Cambodia's Hun Manet makes political debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Clare Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/2] General Hun Manet, son of Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen holds a party flag as he attends a kickoff of an election campaign rally for the upcoming national election in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 1, 2023. The political debut of Hun Manet, 45, marks one of the final steps in a decades-long grooming process that is expected to end with him succeeding his father as prime minister. For some, Hun Manet represents a young, fresh face who will further develop Cambodia. He recently hosted Hun Manet as an AmCham guest of honour. In 2019 and 2020, Hun Manet met three foreign leaders, the Lowy Institute think tank said.

Persons: Hun Manet, Cambodia's, Hun Sen, Cindy Liu, Hun, Anthony Galliano, Hun Manet's, liberalize, spokespeople, Hun Sen's, Sam Rainsy, feudalistic, Manet, Lee Morgenbesser, he's, Morgenbesser, I've, –, Clare Baldwin, Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Cambodian, Cambodia People's Party, National Assembly, Cambodia, ASEAN Parliamentarians, Human Rights, Reuters, U.S, New York University, University of Bristol, ABC, Griffith University, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Lowy Institute, Thomson Locations: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thai, West, Southeast Asia, Western

☆ Solomon Islands says Chinese police to assist cyber, community security
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In a statement on Friday, Sogavare's office said the Pacific Islands nation was broadening its security partnerships, and the Chinese police will add to the existing Australia and New Zealand policing support. Riots in the capital Honiara in 2021 exposed gaps in the islands' policing, it said. Opposition leader Matthew Wale said in a statement "policing is different in democracies than in communist countries and democracies must uphold human rights and due process". The issue was not China's supply of security equipment, but the compatibility of Chinese and Pacific policing, said Meg Keen, director of the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands programme. Solomon Islands has a population of 700,000, across an archipelago that occupies a strategic position in the Pacific Islands, and was pivotal to the U.S. move west across the Pacific to liberate the Philippines in World War Two.

Persons: Manasseh Sogavare, Sogavare's, Penny Wong, Wang Yi, Sogavare, Matthew Wale, Meg Keen, Lowy, Wale, Kirsty Needham, Lincoln Organizations: SYDNEY, Solomon Islands, Australia's, Islands Government, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, New Zealand, China's Global, Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Thomson Locations: Solomon, Australia, Beijing, Pacific, China, U.S, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Jakarta, Islands, Honiara, Philippines, Taiwan, Washington, Canberra

☆ Solomon Islands leader visits security partner China with focus on infrastructure
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SYDNEY, July 9 (Reuters) - Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare arrives in China on Sunday for his first visit since striking a security deal, pledging to "remain neutral" amid rising China-U.S. competition and prioritise his nation's development needs. Western analysts said Sogavare would be feted after signing the security pact that alarmed Washington and some Pacific Islands neighbours including Australia last year. China's foreign ministry said China and the Solomon Islands had "contributed to peace, stability and development in the region", and the two countries leaders would discuss international and regional issues. China has constructed the stadium, is advising on security, and will train 80 Solomon Islands athletes arriving in China this week. Solomon Islands has one of the closest relationships with China in the region, said Meg Keen, director of the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands program.

Persons: Manasseh Sogavare, Sogavare, Graeme Smith, Meg Keen, Lowy, Kirsty Needham, Kim Coghill Organizations: SYDNEY, Solomon Islands, Papua New, Huawei, Pacific Games, Solomon, Australian National University, Thomson Locations: Solomon, China, U.S, Washington, Australia, Papua, Papua New Guinea, Britain, Honiara, Chinese, Honiara's, Beijing, Jiangsu, Guangdong, India, Gulf, Taiwan, Pacific, Japan

☆ Lawyer wanted by Hong Kong says he was exercising his rights in Australia
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Hong Kong police and security bureau did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hong Kong says 260 people have been arrested under the law, 79 of them convicted for offences including subversion and terrorism. China and Hong Kong say it was necessary to restore stability in the financial hub. Yam said he started speaking out about the rule of law in Hong Kong and the crackdown because his friends were in jail. Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Additional reporting by James Pomfret and Jessie Pang in Hong Kong; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Kevin Yam, Yam, Mao Ning, Anthony Albanese, Hong, Ted Hui, Richard McGregor, Kirsty Needham, James Pomfret, Jessie Pang, William Mallard Organizations: SYDNEY, Hong, HK, Hong Kong, of Australia, Law Society of Hong, Lowy Institute, Thomson Locations: Australian, Hong Kong, Hong, Australia, China, Beijing, British, Law Society of Hong Kong, Sydney

Search resuls for: "Lowy"

25 mentions found