<p>Australian naval personnel allegedly sustained minor injuries on Tuesday (Nov 14) after an “unsafe and unprofessional” conduct by a Chinese warship in international waters off Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).</p>

<p>Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said Saturday (Nov 18) his government had expressed “serious concerns” to the Chinese side regarding the encounter between the HMAS Toowoomba and the People’s Liberation Army-Navy’s (PLAN) destroyer.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Australian minister, the Australian vessel was on its way to a scheduled port visit to Japan when it found that fishing nets had got stuck into the boat’s propellers.</p>

<p>The divers on the ship started an underwater operation to clear the nets. A message regarding the ongoing operation was also communicated through the usual maritime channels.</p>

<p>It was then that the PLAN vessel came dangerously close to the Australian ship. It prompted the Australian divers to reiterate their message and request the Chinese destroyers to stay away.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Australia and china reunite for diplomatic talks</strong></p>

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<p>According to Richard Marles, soon after the second warning was issued, the PLA destroyer DDG-139 “was detected operating its hull-mounted sonar in a manner that posed a risk to the safety of the Australian divers who were forced to exit the water."</p>

<p>It came even as the Chinese side “acknowledged” the message sent by the Australian divers.</p>

<p>The divers, who were assessed after they surfaced, sustained minor injuries after being subjected to the sonar pulses, the minister alleged.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/looking-to-mend-ties-australian-pm-talks-of-very-positive-meet-with-xi-jinping-655924"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Looking to mend ties, Australian PM talks of `very positive` meet with Xi Jinping</strong></a></p>

<p>“This is unsafe and unprofessional conduct,” Marles said. “The safety and wellbeing of our [Australian Defence Force] personnel continues to be our utmost priority,” he added.</p>

<p>Divers exposed to high levels of underwater sound can suffer from dizziness, hearing damage or injuries to other organs, depending on the frequency and intensity of the sound, according to the UK’s Diving Medical Advisory Committee.</p>

<h2><strong>Setback to Australia-China reconciliation?</strong></h2>

<p>The assertive action by China comes hot on the heels of the much-anticipated visit by Australian leader Anthony Albanese to Beijing earlier this month where Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to stabilise the bilateral relationship.</p>

<p>Canberra is hopeful that China will roll back its sanctions on Australian wine and other trade restrictions that were introduced during ex-PM Scott Morrison’s tenure.</p>

<p>However, Beijing has made clear the highly-sought reconciliation with China will come at a price, something that the Albanese administration would like to ponder upon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Australian naval personnel allegedly sustained minor injuries on Tuesday (Nov 14) after an “unsafe and unprofessional” conduct by a Chinese warship in international waters off Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Australian naval personnel allegedly sustained minor injuries on Tuesday (Nov 14) after an “unsafe and unprofessional” conduct by a Chinese warship in international waters off Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said Saturday (Nov 18) his government had expressed “serious concerns” to the Chinese side regarding the encounter between the HMAS Toowoomba and the People’s Liberation Army-Navy’s (PLAN) destroyer. What happened? According to the Australian minister, the Australian vessel was on its way to a scheduled port visit to Japan when it found that fishing nets had got stuck into the boat’s propellers. The divers on the ship started an underwater operation to clear the nets. A message regarding the ongoing operation was also communicated through the usual maritime channels. It was then that the PLAN vessel came dangerously close to the Australian ship. It prompted the Australian divers to reiterate their message and request the Chinese destroyers to stay away. Watch: Australia and china reunite for diplomatic talks × According to Richard Marles, soon after the second warning was issued, the PLA destroyer DDG-139 “was detected operating its hull-mounted sonar in a manner that posed a risk to the safety of the Australian divers who were forced to exit the water." It came even as the Chinese side “acknowledged” the message sent by the Australian divers. The divers, who were assessed after they surfaced, sustained minor injuries after being subjected to the sonar pulses, the minister alleged. Also read: Looking to mend ties, Australian PM talks of `very positive` meet with Xi Jinping “This is unsafe and unprofessional conduct,” Marles said. “The safety and wellbeing of our [Australian Defence Force] personnel continues to be our utmost priority,” he added. Divers exposed to high levels of underwater sound can suffer from dizziness, hearing damage or injuries to other organs, depending on the frequency and intensity of the sound, according to the UK’s Diving Medical Advisory Committee. Setback to Australia-China reconciliation? The assertive action by China comes hot on the heels of the much-anticipated visit by Australian leader Anthony Albanese to Beijing earlier this month where Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to stabilise the bilateral relationship. Canberra is hopeful that China will roll back its sanctions on Australian wine and other trade restrictions that were introduced during ex-PM Scott Morrison’s tenure. However, Beijing has made clear the highly-sought reconciliation with China will come at a price, something that the Albanese administration would like to ponder upon. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses

<p>Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali. This was the first face-to-face meeting between an Australian Prime Minister and a Chinese President since 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid consistent efforts by successive Australian governments to diversify away from their trade dependence on China, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that he had 'a positive and constructive discussion' with the Chinese President.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Albanese reportedly raised objections to Chinese trade sanctions disrupting Australian exports and the continued detention of journalist Cheng Lei and the writer Yang Hengjun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia said on Tuesday.&nbsp;The official statement from the Prime Minister of Australia said that the meeting was an 'important step towards the stabilisation of the Australia-China relationship.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was good to discuss our relationship with China’s President Xi Jinping today. It was a positive and constructive discussion. We will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest. <a href="https://t.co/WBVAzW7KLR">pic.twitter.com/WBVAzW7KLR</a></p>
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1592436720733388801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"China is a major power with global interests and it was valuable to exchange views on challenges to international peace and security," it said, followed by addressing the discussions on Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I reaffirmed the Australian Government's view that it is in the interests of both sides to continue on the path of stabilising and developing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We are always going to be better off when we talk to each other, calmly and directly," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-australia-seeks-to-grow-plants-on-moon-by-2025-523520">WION Climate Tracker: Australia seeks to grow plants on moon by 2025</a></strong></p>

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<p>Australia and China will mark the 50th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We also discussed bilateral, trade, consular and human rights issues, and looked forward to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in December," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-players-call-out-qatars-human-rights-record-before-fifa-world-cup-528759">Australian players call out Qatar's human rights record before FIFA World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping also said that Australia-China ties had "run into some difficulties". However, he added, improving the ties was consistent with the national interest of both countries and conducive to the "peaceful development of the region and the world".&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's share of Australia's exports came down to 29.5 per cent in August this year, down from 42.1 per cent a year ago. Australia's share of imports from China also came down to 25.9 per cent in August, having peaked at 29.8 per cent a year ago, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics trade.</p>

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Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali. This was the first face-to-face meeting between an Australian Prime Minister and a Chinese President since 2016.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali. This was the first face-to-face meeting between an Australian Prime Minister and a Chinese President since 2016. Amid consistent efforts by successive Australian governments to diversify away from their trade dependence on China, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that he had 'a positive and constructive discussion' with the Chinese President. Albanese reportedly raised objections to Chinese trade sanctions disrupting Australian exports and the continued detention of journalist Cheng Lei and the writer Yang Hengjun. "We will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia said on Tuesday. The official statement from the Prime Minister of Australia said that the meeting was an 'important step towards the stabilisation of the Australia-China relationship. It was good to discuss our relationship with China’s President Xi Jinping today. It was a positive and constructive discussion. We will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest. pic.twitter.com/WBVAzW7KLR — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 15, 2022 × "China is a major power with global interests and it was valuable to exchange views on challenges to international peace and security," it said, followed by addressing the discussions on Russia-Ukraine war. "I reaffirmed the Australian Government's view that it is in the interests of both sides to continue on the path of stabilising and developing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We are always going to be better off when we talk to each other, calmly and directly," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in an official statement. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Australia seeks to grow plants on moon by 2025 × Australia and China will mark the 50th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic relations. "We also discussed bilateral, trade, consular and human rights issues, and looked forward to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in December," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. ALSO READ | Australian players call out Qatar's human rights record before FIFA World Cup Chinese President Xi Jinping also said that Australia-China ties had "run into some difficulties". However, he added, improving the ties was consistent with the national interest of both countries and conducive to the "peaceful development of the region and the world". China's share of Australia's exports came down to 29.5 per cent in August this year, down from 42.1 per cent a year ago. Australia's share of imports from China also came down to 25.9 per cent in August, having peaked at 29.8 per cent a year ago, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics trade. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Calmly and directly': Australia engages with China in 'national interest'

<p>Australia's global allies voiced support for the country's beleaguered wine industry Wednesday, vowing to down a glass to lessen the impact of choking Chinese sanctions.</p>

<p>China on Friday announced it would impose anti-dumping tariffs on Australian wine, the latest salvo in a barrage of trade sanctions that critics say are politically motivated.</p>

<p>In response, supporters including Taiwan and the United States pledged to buy Australian wine, now subject to tariffs of up to 212 percent in China.</p>

<p>"We stand in solidarity with&nbsp;#Australia&nbsp;by serving&nbsp;#FreedomWine,"&nbsp;Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs said in a tweet.</p>

<p>In Washington, the National Security Council said: "Australian wine will be featured at a White House holiday reception this week."</p>

<p>It added: "Pity vino lovers in China who, due to Beijing's coercive tariffs on Aussie vintners, will miss out. #AussieAussieAussieOiOiOi!"</p>

<p>Already strained China-Australia relations have worsened since Canberra moved to crack down on Chinese operations in the country and called for an inquiry into the origins of Covid-19 after its emergence in central China last year.</p>

<p>Australian winemakers said the latest tariffs would likely mean the lucrative Chinese market would dry up.</p>

<p>Treasury Wine Estates -- which produces the popular high-end Penfolds brand -- said it would look to other "key luxury growth markets" and cut costs as sales accounting for 30 percent of earnings fall away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Members of the Inter-parliamentary Alliance on China, a global bloc of lawmakers from 19 democratic nations, said they would help, with several pledging to switch their New Zealand pinot noir, Norwegian aquavit or Japanese sake for an Aussie tipple.</p>

<p>In Hong Kong, #SolidaritywithAustralia trended on Twitter and the city's exiled democracy activist Nathan Law said: "I don't really drink, but I guess I am moved to buy a bottle of Australian wine".</p>


Australia's global allies voiced support for the country's beleaguered wine industry Wednesday, vowing to down a glass to lessen the impact of choking Chinese sanctions.

Australia's global allies voiced support for the country's beleaguered wine industry Wednesday, vowing to down a glass to lessen the impact of choking Chinese sanctions. China on Friday announced it would impose anti-dumping tariffs on Australian wine, the latest salvo in a barrage of trade sanctions that critics say are politically motivated. In response, supporters including Taiwan and the United States pledged to buy Australian wine, now subject to tariffs of up to 212 percent in China. "We stand in solidarity with #Australia by serving #FreedomWine," Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs said in a tweet. In Washington, the National Security Council said: "Australian wine will be featured at a White House holiday reception this week." It added: "Pity vino lovers in China who, due to Beijing's coercive tariffs on Aussie vintners, will miss out. #AussieAussieAussieOiOiOi!" Already strained China-Australia relations have worsened since Canberra moved to crack down on Chinese operations in the country and called for an inquiry into the origins of Covid-19 after its emergence in central China last year. Australian winemakers said the latest tariffs would likely mean the lucrative Chinese market would dry up. Treasury Wine Estates -- which produces the popular high-end Penfolds brand -- said it would look to other "key luxury growth markets" and cut costs as sales accounting for 30 percent of earnings fall away. Members of the Inter-parliamentary Alliance on China, a global bloc of lawmakers from 19 democratic nations, said they would help, with several pledging to switch their New Zealand pinot noir, Norwegian aquavit or Japanese sake for an Aussie tipple. In Hong Kong, #SolidaritywithAustralia trended on Twitter and the city's exiled democracy activist Nathan Law said: "I don't really drink, but I guess I am moved to buy a bottle of Australian wine".

Allies raise a glass to Australia amid China wine dispute

<p>Twitter on Tuesday rebuffed Australian calls to remove a Beijing official's incendiary tweet targeting Australian troops, as China doubled down on criticism in the face of mounting international condemnation.</p>

<p>Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian sparked outrage in Canberra on Monday when he posted a staged image of a man dressed as an Australian soldier holding a bloody knife to an Afghan child's throat.</p>

<p>The post came just days after Australian prosecutors launched an investigation into 19 members of the country's military over alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.</p>

<p>Twitter said it had marked the tweet as "sensitive," but added that comments on topical political issues or "foreign policy sabre-rattling" by official government accounts were generally not in violation of its rules.</p>

<p>Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had called the tweet "repugnant", holding a virtual press conference from quarantine to demand Twitter take it down and China apologise.</p>

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<p>He said Beijing should be "totally ashamed" of the "outrageous and disgusting slur" against the Australian armed forces.</p>

<p>Twitter is banned for most citizens in China and Beijing has for decades been accused of widespread human rights abuses.</p>

<p>Some Australian allies expressed concern over the tweet, including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.</p>

<p>"In this case an image has been used that is not factually correct, that is not a genuine image, so we have raised that directly with Chinese authorities," she told reporters.</p>

<p>The French foreign affairs ministry said the post was "unworthy of the diplomatic standards we have the right to expect from a country like China".</p>

<p>A spokesperson said the image was "insulting for all the countries whose armed forces have been engaged in Afghanistan for the last 20 years."</p>

<p>In a restrained statement, Kabul said it was "jointly working" with Canberra to investigate the alleged misconduct of Australian troops, adding that both Australia and China were "key players" in maintaining international consensus on peace and development in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>There was further embarrassment for Australia on Tuesday when the Guardian published an image purporting to show an Australian soldier chugging beer from a dead Taliban fighter's prosthetic leg.</p>

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<p><strong>'Horrible atrocities'</strong></p>

<p>A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canberra accused Australia of making too much of the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The rage and roar of some Australian politicians and media is nothing but misreading of and overreaction to Mr. Zhao's tweet," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The embassy suggested Australian officials were attempting to "deflect public attention from the horrible atrocities by certain Australian soldiers" and "stoke domestic nationalism".</p>

<p>The diplomatic row has sent relations between Beijing and Canberra plunging to a new low.</p>

<p>China has imposed a series of economic sanctions on Australian goods in recent months, while state-controlled news outlets have repeatedly attacked Australia over a range of issues.</p>

<p>It comes after Canberra began pushing back on Beijing's growing power in the region, cracked down on Chinese influence operations Down Under and called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>


Twitter on Tuesday rebuffed Australian calls to remove a Beijing official's incendiary tweet targeting Australian troops, as China doubled down on criticism in the face of mounting international condemnation.

Twitter on Tuesday rebuffed Australian calls to remove a Beijing official's incendiary tweet targeting Australian troops, as China doubled down on criticism in the face of mounting international condemnation. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian sparked outrage in Canberra on Monday when he posted a staged image of a man dressed as an Australian soldier holding a bloody knife to an Afghan child's throat. The post came just days after Australian prosecutors launched an investigation into 19 members of the country's military over alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. Twitter said it had marked the tweet as "sensitive," but added that comments on topical political issues or "foreign policy sabre-rattling" by official government accounts were generally not in violation of its rules. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had called the tweet "repugnant", holding a virtual press conference from quarantine to demand Twitter take it down and China apologise. × He said Beijing should be "totally ashamed" of the "outrageous and disgusting slur" against the Australian armed forces. Twitter is banned for most citizens in China and Beijing has for decades been accused of widespread human rights abuses. Some Australian allies expressed concern over the tweet, including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. "In this case an image has been used that is not factually correct, that is not a genuine image, so we have raised that directly with Chinese authorities," she told reporters. The French foreign affairs ministry said the post was "unworthy of the diplomatic standards we have the right to expect from a country like China". A spokesperson said the image was "insulting for all the countries whose armed forces have been engaged in Afghanistan for the last 20 years." In a restrained statement, Kabul said it was "jointly working" with Canberra to investigate the alleged misconduct of Australian troops, adding that both Australia and China were "key players" in maintaining international consensus on peace and development in Afghanistan. There was further embarrassment for Australia on Tuesday when the Guardian published an image purporting to show an Australian soldier chugging beer from a dead Taliban fighter's prosthetic leg. × 'Horrible atrocities' A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canberra accused Australia of making too much of the incident. "The rage and roar of some Australian politicians and media is nothing but misreading of and overreaction to Mr. Zhao's tweet," the spokesperson said. The embassy suggested Australian officials were attempting to "deflect public attention from the horrible atrocities by certain Australian soldiers" and "stoke domestic nationalism". The diplomatic row has sent relations between Beijing and Canberra plunging to a new low. China has imposed a series of economic sanctions on Australian goods in recent months, while state-controlled news outlets have repeatedly attacked Australia over a range of issues. It comes after Canberra began pushing back on Beijing's growing power in the region, cracked down on Chinese influence operations Down Under and called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

Twitter rejects call to remove Chinese official's fake Australian troops tweet

With exports to China under investigation, lacklustre sales in the US and COVID-19 shutdowns denting restaurant sales everywhere, Australia's winemakers are turning to a traditional revenue source to turn a dollar: the cellar door.

Australian winemakers look past China, US woes and toast the home market

<p>China's foreign ministry said on Thursday&nbsp;it was totally within its rights as a sovereign power to ban two Australian scholars.</p>

<p>China firmly opposes actions that harm the country's security and spread misinformation under the pretext of scholarly work, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a press briefing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-constructed-400-internment-camps-in-xinjiang-study-329842" hreflang="en">China constructed 400 internment camps in Xinjiang: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>The Global Times newspaper said earlier on Thursday, citing unnamed sources, that China had barred entry to two "anti-China" Australian scholars.</p>

<p>The paper, published by the ruling Chinese Communist Party's official People's Daily, said the decision to bar Clive Hamilton and Alex Joske came after Australia revoked the visas of two Chinese scholars over "alleged infiltration" in early September.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-and-china-spat-over-coronavirus-inquiry-gets-uglier-299755">Australia and China spat over coronavirus inquiry gets uglier</a></strong></p>

<p>Ties have become strained over issues from trade disputes to Australia's call for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus that first emerged in China late last year, and by accusations of Chinese meddling in domestic affairs.</p>

<p>"This ban is quite unexpected, although I have been on Beijing's enemy list for some years," Hamilton said in an email to Reuters.</p>

<p>He added that the ban against him and Joske was "retaliation" for the Australian government's actions against Chinese scholars and that he had already decided "two or three years ago" it would be too dangerous to travel to China.</p>

<p>"Only when Beijing decides to stop interfering in Australian politics and attempting to bully the Australian government will relations improve. I hope that happens soon," he said.</p>

<p>In a 2018 book, Hamilton, a professor of public ethics at Australia's Charles Sturt University, accused China's Communist Party of a campaign to exert influence in Australia's domestic politics.</p>

<p>Joske is an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which the Global Times called "infamous for churning out anti-China propaganda and fabricating anti-China issues."</p>

<p>He said on Twitter that the ban is the "latest in a series of attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to punish those who shine a light on its activities" and that he had also judged the risk of travelling to China to be "too high."</p>


China's foreign ministry said on Thursday it was totally within its rights as a sovereign power to ban two Australian scholars. China firmly opposes actions that harm the country's security and spread misinformation under the pretext of scholarly work, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a press briefing.

China's foreign ministry said on Thursday it was totally within its rights as a sovereign power to ban two Australian scholars. China firmly opposes actions that harm the country's security and spread misinformation under the pretext of scholarly work, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a press briefing. Also read: China constructed 400 internment camps in Xinjiang: Study The Global Times newspaper said earlier on Thursday, citing unnamed sources, that China had barred entry to two "anti-China" Australian scholars. The paper, published by the ruling Chinese Communist Party's official People's Daily, said the decision to bar Clive Hamilton and Alex Joske came after Australia revoked the visas of two Chinese scholars over "alleged infiltration" in early September. Also read: Australia and China spat over coronavirus inquiry gets uglier Ties have become strained over issues from trade disputes to Australia's call for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus that first emerged in China late last year, and by accusations of Chinese meddling in domestic affairs. "This ban is quite unexpected, although I have been on Beijing's enemy list for some years," Hamilton said in an email to Reuters. He added that the ban against him and Joske was "retaliation" for the Australian government's actions against Chinese scholars and that he had already decided "two or three years ago" it would be too dangerous to travel to China. "Only when Beijing decides to stop interfering in Australian politics and attempting to bully the Australian government will relations improve. I hope that happens soon," he said. In a 2018 book, Hamilton, a professor of public ethics at Australia's Charles Sturt University, accused China's Communist Party of a campaign to exert influence in Australia's domestic politics. Joske is an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which the Global Times called "infamous for churning out anti-China propaganda and fabricating anti-China issues." He said on Twitter that the ban is the "latest in a series of attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to punish those who shine a light on its activities" and that he had also judged the risk of travelling to China to be "too high."

China says banning Australian scholars within its sovereign remit

<p>A war of words has been playing out on Twitter with Australian and Chinese envoys targetting each other over the South China Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell and Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong are the two officials involved in the battle, but Netizens are backing the Australian.</p>

<p>On July 30, the Australian commissioner spoke about the concerns over Chinese actions in the South China Sea.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-melbourne-put-under-night-curfew-australian-pm-morrison-announces-disaster-payment-317826">COVID: 19: Melbourne put under night curfew; Australian PM Morrison announces 'disaster payment'</a></strong></p>

<p>Sun hit back to O'Farrell's comments and accused him of "disregarding facts".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are in conformity with the international law...including the unclos," Sun said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The high commissioner responded with a strongly-worded tweet.</p>

<p>"Thank you Chinese ambassador to India. I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South China Sea Arbitral Award is a verdict by the permanent court of arbitration in the Hague.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016, the court rejected China's claim of sovereignty over the South Sea region and said Beijing violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the Chinese envoy has reminded this fact, he called the ruling "null and void".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So-called Arbitral Tribunal of South China Sea violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal, null and void and has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognises it."</p>

<p>Interestingly, China is a signatory of the treaty that established the tribunal, but now it does not accept its ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>O'Farrell is correct in pointing out that China has unilaterally tried to change the status quo in the South China Sea.</p>

<p>Beijing has not only engaged with the Philippines, but has also tried to grab lands belonging to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.</p>

<p>What does Beijing want in the South China Sea?</p>

<p>The dragon has its eyes on the region's strategic and economic value.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South China Sea has an estimated 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and 190 cubic feet of natural gas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Spratly Islands, for example, is rich in natural resources and fishing areas.</p>

<p>China began claiming the island as early as the 1970s.</p>

<p>The dragon has used some very vicious methods in reclaiming land in the region.</p>

<p>It has not just increased the size of some islands but created newer ones too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to an estimate, China has created 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly Islands since 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing has built ports, military installations and airstrips in the South China Sea, particularly in the Paracel and Spratly Islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has 27 outposts and has also militarised the woody islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But China does not want the international community to talk about any of this and just accept the expansionism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And every time a country raises its voice against Chinese provocations in the South China Sea, dragon deem it as fake news.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A war of words has been playing out on Twitter with Australian and Chinese envoys targetting each other over the South China Sea. Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell and Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong are the two officials involved in the battle, but Netizens are backing the Australian.

A war of words has been playing out on Twitter with Australian and Chinese envoys targetting each other over the South China Sea. Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell and Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong are the two officials involved in the battle, but Netizens are backing the Australian. On July 30, the Australian commissioner spoke about the concerns over Chinese actions in the South China Sea. Also read | COVID: 19: Melbourne put under night curfew; Australian PM Morrison announces 'disaster payment' Sun hit back to O'Farrell's comments and accused him of "disregarding facts". "China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are in conformity with the international law...including the unclos," Sun said. The high commissioner responded with a strongly-worded tweet. "Thank you Chinese ambassador to India. I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo," he said. South China Sea Arbitral Award is a verdict by the permanent court of arbitration in the Hague. In 2016, the court rejected China's claim of sovereignty over the South Sea region and said Beijing violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the sea. When the Chinese envoy has reminded this fact, he called the ruling "null and void". "So-called Arbitral Tribunal of South China Sea violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal, null and void and has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognises it." Interestingly, China is a signatory of the treaty that established the tribunal, but now it does not accept its ruling. O'Farrell is correct in pointing out that China has unilaterally tried to change the status quo in the South China Sea. Beijing has not only engaged with the Philippines, but has also tried to grab lands belonging to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. What does Beijing want in the South China Sea? The dragon has its eyes on the region's strategic and economic value. The South China Sea has an estimated 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and 190 cubic feet of natural gas. The Spratly Islands, for example, is rich in natural resources and fishing areas. China began claiming the island as early as the 1970s. The dragon has used some very vicious methods in reclaiming land in the region. It has not just increased the size of some islands but created newer ones too. According to an estimate, China has created 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly Islands since 2013. Beijing has built ports, military installations and airstrips in the South China Sea, particularly in the Paracel and Spratly Islands. China has 27 outposts and has also militarised the woody islands. But China does not want the international community to talk about any of this and just accept the expansionism. And every time a country raises its voice against Chinese provocations in the South China Sea, dragon deem it as fake news.

Australian envoy continues to win Twitter battle against Chinese ambassador

<p>In a public spat on social media, Australian envoy to India Barry O’Farrell publicly reminded the Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong of the 2016 South China Sea award by Permanent Court of Arbitration that was rejected by Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case between Philippines v. China was ruled in favour of the Philippines with the tribunal ruling that China has "no historical rights" in the south China sea based on the "nine-dash line" map.</p>

<p>The Australian envoy Barry O’Farrell Tweeted, "Thank you @China_Amb_India . I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@China_Amb_India</a>. I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo. <a href="https://t.co/1w2nrcrxhr">https://t.co/1w2nrcrxhr</a></p>
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1289125049153142784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tweet by Envoy Barry was in response to Chinese envoy Sun Weidong tweeting, "Noted remarks by Australian HC to India on #SouthChinaSea disregarding facts. #China's territorial sovereignty &amp; maritime rights&amp;interests are in conformity w/ int'l law incl UNCLOS. It's clear who safeguard peace&amp;stability &amp; who destablize&amp;provoke escalation in the region."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Noted remarks by Australian HC to India on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthChinaSea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthChinaSea</a> disregarding facts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>'s territorial sovereignty &amp; maritime rights&amp;interests are in conformity w/ int'l law incl UNCLOS. It's clear who safeguard peace&amp;stability &amp; who destablize&amp;provoke escalation in the region.</p>
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1289101355789897728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Australian envoy on Thursday had said, "Australia remains deeply concerned by actions in the South China Sea that are destabilising and could provoke escalation."</p>

<p>The tweet by Australian envoy got lot of traction on Twitter and was retweeted over 2000 times while Chinese envoy's tweet was retweeted just around 100 times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese envoy had again responded to Australian envoy's tweet saying, "So-called arbitral tribunal of #SouthChinaSea violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal,null&amp;void&amp;has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. We hope those non-claimant countries could contribute to regional peace&amp;stability rather than contrary."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So-called arbitral tribunal of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthChinaSea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthChinaSea</a> violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal,null&amp;void&amp;has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. We hope those non-claimant countries could contribute to regional peace&amp;stability rather than contrary.</p>
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1289240149751029766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>On 23 July, Australia lodged a note with the UN Secretary-General refuting China’s unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea.&nbsp;</p>


In a public spat on social media, Australian envoy to India Barry O’Farrell publicly reminded the Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong of the 2016 South China Sea award by Permanent Court of Arbitration that was rejected by Beijing.

In a public spat on social media, Australian envoy to India Barry O’Farrell publicly reminded the Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong of the 2016 South China Sea award by Permanent Court of Arbitration that was rejected by Beijing. The case between Philippines v. China was ruled in favour of the Philippines with the tribunal ruling that China has "no historical rights" in the south China sea based on the "nine-dash line" map. The Australian envoy Barry O’Farrell Tweeted, "Thank you @China_Amb_India . I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo." Thank you @China_Amb_India. I would hope then you follow the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award which is final and binding under international law, and also generally refrain from actions that unilaterally alter the status quo. https://t.co/1w2nrcrxhr — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) July 31, 2020 × The tweet by Envoy Barry was in response to Chinese envoy Sun Weidong tweeting, "Noted remarks by Australian HC to India on #SouthChinaSea disregarding facts. #China's territorial sovereignty & maritime rights&interests are in conformity w/ int'l law incl UNCLOS. It's clear who safeguard peace&stability & who destablize&provoke escalation in the region." Noted remarks by Australian HC to India on #SouthChinaSea disregarding facts. #China's territorial sovereignty & maritime rights&interests are in conformity w/ int'l law incl UNCLOS. It's clear who safeguard peace&stability & who destablize&provoke escalation in the region. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) July 31, 2020 × The Australian envoy on Thursday had said, "Australia remains deeply concerned by actions in the South China Sea that are destabilising and could provoke escalation." The tweet by Australian envoy got lot of traction on Twitter and was retweeted over 2000 times while Chinese envoy's tweet was retweeted just around 100 times. The Chinese envoy had again responded to Australian envoy's tweet saying, "So-called arbitral tribunal of #SouthChinaSea violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal,null&void&has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. We hope those non-claimant countries could contribute to regional peace&stability rather than contrary." So-called arbitral tribunal of #SouthChinaSea violated principle of state consent. The award is illegal,null&void&has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. We hope those non-claimant countries could contribute to regional peace&stability rather than contrary. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) July 31, 2020 × On 23 July, Australia lodged a note with the UN Secretary-General refuting China’s unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea.

On Twitter, Australian envoy to India publicly reminds Chinese envoy of South China Sea award

Australia's counter-espionage agency raided the house of New South Wales state legislator Shaoquett Moselmane amid investigation into alleged Chinese influence in the country's political affairs.

Australian intelligence officers raid Shaoquett Moselmane's premises over alleged China links

<p>Australia views China as the chief suspect in a spate of cyber-attacks of increasing frequency in recent months, sources told Reuters on Friday.</p>

<p>The suggestion has been swiftly dismissed by Beijing.</p>

<p>The comments came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a "sophisticated state-based actor" had spent months trying to hack all levels of the government, political bodies, essential service providers and operators of critical infrastructure.</p>

<p>He, however, declined to say who Australia believed was responsible.</p>

<p>Sources briefed on the matter said Australia believed China is responsible, however.</p>

<p>A US security ally, Australia strained ties with its largest trading partner, China, by pushing for an international inquiry into the source and spread of the coronavirus that first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-says-country-under-cyber-attacks-by-state-based-actor-306976"><strong>Also read | Australian PM says country under cyber attacks by 'state-based actor'</strong></a></p>

<p>China recently imposed dumping tariffs on Australian barley, suspended some imports of beef and warned its students and tourists against travel to the country, citing racism accusations. Two-way trade stood at A$235 billion ($162 billion) last year.</p>

<p>A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday denied Beijing was involved and said China "firmly opposed all forms of cyber attacks."</p>

<p>Australian intelligence has flagged similarities between the recent attacks and a cyber attack on parliament and the three largest political parties in March 2019. Last year, Reuters reported that Australia had quietly concluded China was responsible for that cyber-attack.</p>

<p>Australia has, however, never publicly identified the source of that attack, and China denied it was responsible.</p>

<p>Morrison said he spoke about the issue with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday, while other allies have also received briefings.</p>

<p>Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said advice showed no large-scale personal breaches of data resulting from the attack, but urged users to fully update web or email servers with the latest software and use multi-factor authentication.</p>


Australia views China as the chief suspect in a spate of cyber-attacks of increasing frequency in recent months, sources told Reuters on Friday. The suggestion has been swiftly dismissed by Beijing.

Australia views China as the chief suspect in a spate of cyber-attacks of increasing frequency in recent months, sources told Reuters on Friday. The suggestion has been swiftly dismissed by Beijing. The comments came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a "sophisticated state-based actor" had spent months trying to hack all levels of the government, political bodies, essential service providers and operators of critical infrastructure. He, however, declined to say who Australia believed was responsible. Sources briefed on the matter said Australia believed China is responsible, however. A US security ally, Australia strained ties with its largest trading partner, China, by pushing for an international inquiry into the source and spread of the coronavirus that first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. Also read | Australian PM says country under cyber attacks by 'state-based actor' China recently imposed dumping tariffs on Australian barley, suspended some imports of beef and warned its students and tourists against travel to the country, citing racism accusations. Two-way trade stood at A$235 billion ($162 billion) last year. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday denied Beijing was involved and said China "firmly opposed all forms of cyber attacks." Australian intelligence has flagged similarities between the recent attacks and a cyber attack on parliament and the three largest political parties in March 2019. Last year, Reuters reported that Australia had quietly concluded China was responsible for that cyber-attack. Australia has, however, never publicly identified the source of that attack, and China denied it was responsible. Morrison said he spoke about the issue with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday, while other allies have also received briefings. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said advice showed no large-scale personal breaches of data resulting from the attack, but urged users to fully update web or email servers with the latest software and use multi-factor authentication.

Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report

<p>A verbal war has been going on between China and Australia over the origin of the novel coronavirus that has taken more than&nbsp;402,699 lives and has infected 7 million people globally.</p>

<p>The spat began between two trading partners when Australia&nbsp;called for an international enquiry into the origin of the novel coronavirus, alleging that the virus probably originated from a wildlife market in the Chinese city of Wuhan.</p>

<p>China replied to this accusation by calling this to be Australia's&nbsp;"petty tricks". Chinese ambassador to Australia went on to warn a possibility of Chinese population boycotting Australian products if the latter continue pursuing the investigation.&nbsp;China is by far Australia's biggest export market, taking more than 30% of Australia's exports by value.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-exploiting-george-floyds-death-for-political-gain-mike-pompeo-304106"><strong>Also watch|&nbsp;China exploiting George Floyd's death for political gain: Mike Pompeo&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>Now, Australia has stated that China has been unresponsive&nbsp;its weeks-long pleas to ease tensions.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, our requests for a discussion have so far been met negatively," Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham told a local broadcaster.&nbsp;"That's disappointing."</p>

<p>China has also, following this accusation, warned its population against travelling to Australia, citing possibility of racial discrimination and violence. China has also&nbsp;suspended beef imports from four of Australia's largest meat processors and imposed hefty tariffs on imports of barley. However, the officials have stated this to be unrelated to the ongoing verbal war.</p>

<p>China has not yet responded to this accusation by Australia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


A verbal war has been going on between China and Australia over the origin of the novel coronavirus that has taken more than 402,699 lives and has infected 7 million people globally.

A verbal war has been going on between China and Australia over the origin of the novel coronavirus that has taken more than 402,699 lives and has infected 7 million people globally. The spat began between two trading partners when Australia called for an international enquiry into the origin of the novel coronavirus, alleging that the virus probably originated from a wildlife market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. China replied to this accusation by calling this to be Australia's "petty tricks". Chinese ambassador to Australia went on to warn a possibility of Chinese population boycotting Australian products if the latter continue pursuing the investigation. China is by far Australia's biggest export market, taking more than 30% of Australia's exports by value. Also watch| China exploiting George Floyd's death for political gain: Mike Pompeo Now, Australia has stated that China has been unresponsive its weeks-long pleas to ease tensions. "Unfortunately, our requests for a discussion have so far been met negatively," Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham told a local broadcaster. "That's disappointing." China has also, following this accusation, warned its population against travelling to Australia, citing possibility of racial discrimination and violence. China has also suspended beef imports from four of Australia's largest meat processors and imposed hefty tariffs on imports of barley. However, the officials have stated this to be unrelated to the ongoing verbal war. China has not yet responded to this accusation by Australia. (With inputs from Reuters)

Australia says China unresponsive to its pleas to ease tensions

Australia will push for an international investigation into the coronavirus pandemic at next month’s annual meeting of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

China, Australia spar over COVID-19 probe: China responds with threat and insult