Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sent a congratulatory note to newly elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, ending a year-long freeze in diplomatic contact between the two countries.

China congratulates Australia's new PM Anthony Albanese in hint at thawing ties

China and Australia have been seeing a decline in the diplomatic ties for the past few months now, which has led to a heated environment for the Australian citizens living in China, especially the journalists. To protect the citizens, the Australian government urged all the Australian journalists to return back to the country immediately.

Following the suggest, the last two Australian journalists based in China have also left the country, the Australian government reported on late Monday night.

The decision of the journalists coming back to Australia was taken after the the Chinese government had started detaining the journalists. The two who returned back were also asked to appear for interviews by the Chinese officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-detains-australian-journalist-allows-consular-access-324409">Also read:&nbsp;China detains Australian journalist, allows consular access</a>

ABC's Bill Birtles and The Australian Financial Review's Michael Smith landed in Sydney after flying from Shanghai on Monday night, ABC reported late on Monday night.

Birtles and Smith had been sheltering in Australian diplomatic compounds for the last few days after Birtles was paid a visit by the Chinese officials asking him to appear for questioning and banning him from leaving the country.

The travel ban was lifted only after the Australian officials in China reached out to their Chinese counterparts. Birtles agreed to speak to the Chinese police in exchange for permission to fly back to his home country.

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Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed that the Australian government provided support to the two journalists for returning back to the country.&nbsp;"Our embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Shanghai engaged with Chinese Government authorities to ensure their wellbeing and return to Australia," she said in a statement.

Australia's travel warning of the risk of arbitrary detention in China "remains appropriate and unchanged", she added.

China, however, claimed that the questioning of the journalists was&nbsp;a normal enforcement of the law, adding that the Chinese officials strictly adhered to the law during their investigations.&nbsp;Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian also said that China hopes the Australian side can work with China to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation.

The decision to call back both the journalists came after Chinese-born Australian journalist&nbsp;Cheng Lei was detained by the Chinese officials last week.

China and Australia have been seeing a decline in the diplomatic ties for the past few months now, which has led to a heated environment for the Australian citizens living in China, especially the journalists.

China and Australia have been seeing a decline in the diplomatic ties for the past few months now, which has led to a heated environment for the Australian citizens living in China, especially the journalists. To protect the citizens, the Australian government urged all the Australian journalists to return back to the country immediately. Following the suggest, the last two Australian journalists based in China have also left the country, the Australian government reported on late Monday night. The decision of the journalists coming back to Australia was taken after the the Chinese government had started detaining the journalists. The two who returned back were also asked to appear for interviews by the Chinese officials. Also read: China detains Australian journalist, allows consular access ABC's Bill Birtles and The Australian Financial Review's Michael Smith landed in Sydney after flying from Shanghai on Monday night, ABC reported late on Monday night. Birtles and Smith had been sheltering in Australian diplomatic compounds for the last few days after Birtles was paid a visit by the Chinese officials asking him to appear for questioning and banning him from leaving the country. The travel ban was lifted only after the Australian officials in China reached out to their Chinese counterparts. Birtles agreed to speak to the Chinese police in exchange for permission to fly back to his home country. Also read: Australian writer, Yang Jun, detained in China denies spying charges Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed that the Australian government provided support to the two journalists for returning back to the country. "Our embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Shanghai engaged with Chinese Government authorities to ensure their wellbeing and return to Australia," she said in a statement. Australia's travel warning of the risk of arbitrary detention in China "remains appropriate and unchanged", she added. China, however, claimed that the questioning of the journalists was a normal enforcement of the law, adding that the Chinese officials strictly adhered to the law during their investigations. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian also said that China hopes the Australian side can work with China to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation. The decision to call back both the journalists came after Chinese-born Australian journalist Cheng Lei was detained by the Chinese officials last week.

Last two Australian journalists in China leave country

A war of words has been playing out on Twitter with Australian and Chinese envoys targetting each other over the South China Sea.&nbsp;

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 |&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>

Sun hit back to O'Farrell's comments and accused him of "disregarding facts".&nbsp;

"China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are in conformity with the international law...including the unclos," Sun said.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

South China Sea Arbitral Award is a verdict by the permanent court of arbitration in the Hague.&nbsp;

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;

When the Chinese envoy has reminded this fact, he called the ruling "null and void".&nbsp;

"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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

The South China Sea has an estimated 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and 190 cubic feet of natural gas.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

According to an estimate, China has created 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly Islands since 2013.&nbsp;

Beijing has built ports, military installations and airstrips in the South China Sea, particularly in the Paracel and Spratly Islands.&nbsp;

China has 27 outposts and has also militarised the woody islands.&nbsp;

But China does not want the international community to talk about any of this and just accept the expansionism.&nbsp;

And every time a country raises its voice against Chinese provocations in the South China Sea, dragon deem it as fake news.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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

Australian PM Scott Morrison warned China on Thursday saying his government would "never be intimidated by threats" after Beijing asked its students and tourists to avoid travelling to the country.&nbsp;

China in recent days has advised Chinese to avoid travelling to Australia, citing concerns over racists incidents in the country targetting ethnic Asians.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-rejects-chinas-racism-warning-to-students-assures-safety-304729">Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety</a>

The Australian prime minister rejected Beijing's accusations on Thursday, calling them "rubbish".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-citizens-against-studying-in-racist-australia-304516">China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia</a>

"It's a ridiculous assertion and it's rejected," Morrison said in a radio interview.&nbsp;

"We have an important trading relationship with China and I'd like to see that continue."&nbsp;

However, he added that the Australian government would "never be intimidated by threats" or "trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes".

According to the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission, the racism targetting Asians has increased during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The ties between Australia and China took a downhill ever since the coronavirus outbreak, which originated from China's Wuhan and spread globally.&nbsp;

Canberra also led calls for an international probe into the origin and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in central China.

China is Australia's largest trading partner and the latest warnings to students could impact Australia too as the country's fourth-largest export is from education, which last year brought Aus$37 billion into the economy. &nbsp;

After Australia's push for virus inquiry, China's ambassador in Canberra threatened a widespread boycott of Australian products by consumers, which followed up by a ban on four major Australian beef exporters. 
&nbsp;

Australian PM Scott Morrison warned China on Thursday saying his government would "never be intimidated by threats" after Beijing asked its students and tourists to avoid travelling to the country.

Australian PM Scott Morrison warned China on Thursday saying his government would "never be intimidated by threats" after Beijing asked its students and tourists to avoid travelling to the country. China in recent days has advised Chinese to avoid travelling to Australia, citing concerns over racists incidents in the country targetting ethnic Asians. Also read | Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety The Australian prime minister rejected Beijing's accusations on Thursday, calling them "rubbish". Also read | China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia "It's a ridiculous assertion and it's rejected," Morrison said in a radio interview. "We have an important trading relationship with China and I'd like to see that continue." However, he added that the Australian government would "never be intimidated by threats" or "trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes". According to the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission, the racism targetting Asians has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The ties between Australia and China took a downhill ever since the coronavirus outbreak, which originated from China's Wuhan and spread globally. Canberra also led calls for an international probe into the origin and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in central China. China is Australia's largest trading partner and the latest warnings to students could impact Australia too as the country's fourth-largest export is from education, which last year brought Aus$37 billion into the economy. After Australia's push for virus inquiry, China's ambassador in Canberra threatened a widespread boycott of Australian products by consumers, which followed up by a ban on four major Australian beef exporters.

'Will not be intimidated by threats': Australian PM to China

Australian officials warned Black Lives Matter supporters they could be arrested if they breach coronavirus restrictions to take part in public protests, as debate erupted over the country's own indigenous history.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison drew strong criticism on Thursday after he said "there was no slavery in Australia" during a discussion of the early days of British settlement, which he acknowledged was "pretty brutal."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-rejects-chinas-racism-warning-to-students-assures-safety-304729">Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety</a>

Historians, Aboriginal activists and some lawmakers expressed shock and dismay at the comments.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-be-intimidated-by-threats-australian-pm-to-china-305020">Also read: 'Will not be intimidated by threats', says Australian PM to China</a> 
 
"Slavery of indigenous, men, women and children is well documented," said Sharman Stone, a former federal lawmaker and now politics professor at Monash University. "Slaves worked in pearling, fishing, the pastoral industries and as domestic labour."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-citizens-against-studying-in-racist-australia-304516">China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia</a>

The Black Lives Matter movement has refocused attention in Australia on the mistreatment of indigenous Australians, including Aboriginal deaths in custody.

Victoria state officials confirmed on Thursday that one of eight new cases of COVID-19 reported on Thursday was a man who attended the Melbourne weekend rally. More unauthorised protests are planned for Friday.

"We will start writing tickets of A$1,000 ($700) and we can use all of our powers to move people on," New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told 2GB Radio. "If you don't move on, well then you'll be arrested."

Morrison rejected growing calls to remove statues of white leaders, including one of the country's first prime minister, Edmund Barton, which is located near an Aboriginal burial site. Barton played a key role in drafting the national constitution, which negated Aboriginal rights.

Morrison said the initial motives of protesters were "fair", but the push for the removal of the statues was being driven by political agendas.

Australia on Tuesday recorded its first day without any community transmissions of COVID-19 since the crisis began. It has recorded 7,285 cases, including 102 deaths.

Australian officials warned Black Lives Matter supporters they could be arrested if they breach coronavirus restrictions to take part in public protests, as debate erupted over the country's own indigenous history.

Australian officials warned Black Lives Matter supporters they could be arrested if they breach coronavirus restrictions to take part in public protests, as debate erupted over the country's own indigenous history. Prime Minister Scott Morrison drew strong criticism on Thursday after he said "there was no slavery in Australia" during a discussion of the early days of British settlement, which he acknowledged was "pretty brutal." Also read | Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety Historians, Aboriginal activists and some lawmakers expressed shock and dismay at the comments. Also read: 'Will not be intimidated by threats', says Australian PM to China "Slavery of indigenous, men, women and children is well documented," said Sharman Stone, a former federal lawmaker and now politics professor at Monash University. "Slaves worked in pearling, fishing, the pastoral industries and as domestic labour." Also read | China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia The Black Lives Matter movement has refocused attention in Australia on the mistreatment of indigenous Australians, including Aboriginal deaths in custody. Victoria state officials confirmed on Thursday that one of eight new cases of COVID-19 reported on Thursday was a man who attended the Melbourne weekend rally. More unauthorised protests are planned for Friday. "We will start writing tickets of A$1,000 ($700) and we can use all of our powers to move people on," New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told 2GB Radio. "If you don't move on, well then you'll be arrested." Morrison rejected growing calls to remove statues of white leaders, including one of the country's first prime minister, Edmund Barton, which is located near an Aboriginal burial site. Barton played a key role in drafting the national constitution, which negated Aboriginal rights. Morrison said the initial motives of protesters were "fair", but the push for the removal of the statues was being driven by political agendas. Australia on Tuesday recorded its first day without any community transmissions of COVID-19 since the crisis began. It has recorded 7,285 cases, including 102 deaths.

Australian PM draws criticism for his "No slavery in Australia" comment