China has warned Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen against meeting U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her 10-day diplomatic trip to Central America. Could the meeting trigger a war? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: China warns Taiwan's President against meeting U.S. House speaker

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on a sensitive U.S. stopover on Wednesday, vowing en route not to let external pressure prevent the island from engaging with the world after China threatened retaliation if she met U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Taiwan president starts sensitive U.S. stopover; China warns against meetings

The Chinese government's Taiwan policy body warned Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, that her meeting with officials of the United States would be a provocation, causing instability in the Taiwan Strait, and vowed to retaliate strongly.

China warns Taiwan: Taiwan President to make stopover in US, may meet McCarthy

In August last year, the then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had a defiant message for China when she visited Taiwan that America will stand by the democracy and sovereignty of the island nation.&nbsp;

Kevin McCarthy, the newly elected US House Speaker and a California Republican, seems to not go down the same road as Financial Times reported that he will meet Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen in California to avoid China's aggression.&nbsp;

Tsai Ing-wen and McCarthy have both agreed to hold the meeting in California as the Taiwanese president is set to visit Central America in April. According to the report, the meeting was fixed in the US and not in Taiwan so that the muscular manoeuvres by the Chinese military, like that displayed by Beijing during Pelosi's visit, could be avoided.&nbsp;

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Chinese military drills around Taiwan were a warning for Washington to not support Taiwan in its independence aspirations and adhere to the One-China policy.&nbsp;Pelosi's visit led to a &nbsp;massive hue and cry from China, as her trip to Taiwan was only the second ever by a US House speaker.

Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich visited the island nation in 1997.

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A top Taiwanese official said that some intelligence has been shared with McCarthy's team over China's possible threats. “We shared some intelligence about what the Chinese Communist party is recently up to and the kinds of threats they pose," FT reported quoting the Taiwanese official.&nbsp;

The official said that Beijing was “not in a good situation right now" and added that Chinese President Xi Jinping and his close circle have more decisions to make up their sleeves.&nbsp;

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The Taiwanese president will also speak at the Reagan Library in southern California, which has also confirmed sending an invitation to the leader.&nbsp;However, McCarthy's office has declined to make any comments.&nbsp;

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In August last year, the then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had a defiant message for China when she visited Taiwan that America will stand by the democracy and sovereignty of the island nation.

In August last year, the then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had a defiant message for China when she visited Taiwan that America will stand by the democracy and sovereignty of the island nation. Kevin McCarthy, the newly elected US House Speaker and a California Republican, seems to not go down the same road as Financial Times reported that he will meet Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen in California to avoid China's aggression. Tsai Ing-wen and McCarthy have both agreed to hold the meeting in California as the Taiwanese president is set to visit Central America in April. According to the report, the meeting was fixed in the US and not in Taiwan so that the muscular manoeuvres by the Chinese military, like that displayed by Beijing during Pelosi's visit, could be avoided. Also Read | Indian airline Indigo in talks with Boeing for largest-ever jet order, Airbus to get a tough fight Chinese military drills around Taiwan were a warning for Washington to not support Taiwan in its independence aspirations and adhere to the One-China policy. Pelosi's visit led to a massive hue and cry from China, as her trip to Taiwan was only the second ever by a US House speaker. Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich visited the island nation in 1997. Also Read | World’s first openly transgender MP, Georgina Beyer, dies in New Zealand at 65 A top Taiwanese official said that some intelligence has been shared with McCarthy's team over China's possible threats. “We shared some intelligence about what the Chinese Communist party is recently up to and the kinds of threats they pose," FT reported quoting the Taiwanese official. The official said that Beijing was “not in a good situation right now" and added that Chinese President Xi Jinping and his close circle have more decisions to make up their sleeves. Watch | Elite Israeli defence pilots protest judicial reforms by boycotting reserve duty, training The Taiwanese president will also speak at the Reagan Library in southern California, which has also confirmed sending an invitation to the leader. However, McCarthy's office has declined to make any comments. 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.

To avoid Chinese aggression, house speaker McCarthy, Taiwan's president to meet in US: Report

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met face-to-face for more than an hour of highly anticipated budget talks — "a good first meeting," the new Republican leader said — but expectations were low for quick progress as GOP lawmakers push for steep cuts in a deal to prevent a national debt limit crisis.

Biden, McCarthy meet face-to-face on debt crisis worries | Latest News | WION |

With the U.S. Government set to exhaust its ability to pay its bills on time within months, House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy met President Joe Biden at the White House for high-stakes discussions. Hour-long discussions over a possible debt-limit increase failed to yield any breakthrough.

US Government Debt Ceiling: Biden meets McCarthy, no breakthrough yet

After a lengthy battle nominating Kevin McCarthy to serve as Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Republicans are now looking ahead to their priorities in the 118th Congress.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Conservatives continue to be a problem for McCarthy

Conservatives continue to be a problem for McCarthy

The US House of Representatives elected GOP leader Kevin McCarthy of California as speaker in a dramatic 15th vote. Watch this video to know more.

US House Speaker stalemate ends, heated exchange between Kevin McCarthy and Matt Gaetz

House Speaker stalemate ends, heated exchange between Kevin McCarthy and Matt Gaetz

WION Fineprint: Republican leader Kevin McCarthy elected as US House Speaker

Republican Kevin McCarthy finally secured the support he needed and was elected as the Speaker of US House of Representatives after the lawmakers cast their votes for a record 15th round and much chaos. The last round of voting took place shortly after results of the 14th round were declared.&nbsp;McCarthy had been expected finally to win a majority to lead the Republican-controlled House, but his victory lap was derailed by a right-wing rebellion in its own ranks that extended the contest to one of the longest in US history.&nbsp;

McCarthy had been hoping to secure the gavel in the 14th round before midnight Friday, but suffered a shock defeat amid Republican infighting as he came up short by just one vote out of more than 400 cast.

In the 14th round of voting McCarthy got 216 votes while Democratic candidate Hakeem Jeffries got 212. Andy Biggs received support from 2 representatives, as did Jim Jordan. According to these results, McCarthy was just one vote shy of the number that he required to clinch victory.

Six Republicans withheld their votes or voted for other candidates, hours after McCarthy&nbsp; had predicted that "It's going to happen."

In hope&nbsp;of securing enough votes to win, he had called an hours-long recess for the chamber, with lawmakers returning at 10 p.m. (0300 GMT Saturday) for another round of voting.

The decisive moment came when hardline Representative Matt Gaetz withheld his vote from McCarthy. Members of the party leadership hovered over the Florida Republican for several minutes trying to persuade him to change his mind before admitting defeat.

The prolonged contest left the House rudderless after a week of repeated votes that highlighted Republicans' divisions and raised questions about their ability to govern. The chamber has not seen this level of congressional dysfunction since 1859.

After McCarthy clinched victory, US President Joe Biden vowed to work with every lawmaker including the Republicans.

"I am prepared to work with Republicans when I can," he said. "This is a time to govern responsibly and to ensure that we're putting the interests of American families first."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Republican Kevin McCarthy finally secured the support he needed and was elected as the Speaker of US House of Representatives after the lawmakers cast their votes for a record 15th round and much chaos.

Republican Kevin McCarthy finally secured the support he needed and was elected as the Speaker of US House of Representatives after the lawmakers cast their votes for a record 15th round and much chaos. The last round of voting took place shortly after results of the 14th round were declared. McCarthy had been expected finally to win a majority to lead the Republican-controlled House, but his victory lap was derailed by a right-wing rebellion in its own ranks that extended the contest to one of the longest in US history. McCarthy had been hoping to secure the gavel in the 14th round before midnight Friday, but suffered a shock defeat amid Republican infighting as he came up short by just one vote out of more than 400 cast. In the 14th round of voting McCarthy got 216 votes while Democratic candidate Hakeem Jeffries got 212. Andy Biggs received support from 2 representatives, as did Jim Jordan. According to these results, McCarthy was just one vote shy of the number that he required to clinch victory. Six Republicans withheld their votes or voted for other candidates, hours after McCarthy had predicted that "It's going to happen." In hope of securing enough votes to win, he had called an hours-long recess for the chamber, with lawmakers returning at 10 p.m. (0300 GMT Saturday) for another round of voting. The decisive moment came when hardline Representative Matt Gaetz withheld his vote from McCarthy. Members of the party leadership hovered over the Florida Republican for several minutes trying to persuade him to change his mind before admitting defeat. The prolonged contest left the House rudderless after a week of repeated votes that highlighted Republicans' divisions and raised questions about their ability to govern. The chamber has not seen this level of congressional dysfunction since 1859. After McCarthy clinched victory, US President Joe Biden vowed to work with every lawmaker including the Republicans. "I am prepared to work with Republicans when I can," he said. "This is a time to govern responsibly and to ensure that we're putting the interests of American families first." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kevin McCarthy finally elected House speaker after 15 rounds of voting spread across four days

US House speaker election was in chaos on Tuesday, after Republican McCarthy failed in three consecutive votes to secure enough support to be elected as the speaker. The House was then adjourned for a day. This was first time in 100 years that a speaker was not elected on the first vote.

US House adjourns without electing speaker; McCarthy loses 3rd US House speaker vote

Republican Party took control of the lower chamber by winning elections held in November. However, Republican Kevin McCarthy encountered a&nbsp;rebellion within his ranks to become the US House Speaker. The California congressman lost the first round and now it's uncertain how he may succeed when the House reconvenes on Wednesday. They will keep voting until a majority is reached.

<h2>Who is Kevin McCarthy?</h2>

McCarthy advanced from&nbsp;California state politics to become the head of the Republican House conference, the party's caucus in the House of Representatives for Republicans. His success is more attributable to his ability to develop relationships than it is to his policy recommendations. He also played a&nbsp;crucial role&nbsp;in the 2010 midterm elections. Republican leader McCarthy is a native of Bakersfield, California. He started out on the side as a staffer for then-Rep. Bill Thomas before chairing the California Young Republicans and later the Young Republican National Federation.

Ultimately, he won a seat in the California state Assembly in 2002, and in 2003 he was appointed GOP floor leader. According to his biography, McCarthy concentrated on economic matters throughout his time in the state assembly, such as cutting the state budget and reforming the state workers' compensation programme. After Thomas, his former boss, retired, McCarthy went on to be elected to the House in 2007 to fill the vacancy.

<h2>Last of the Young guns in US Congress</h2>

McCarthy was referred to be one of the "young guns," the future generation of conservative leadership, along with former representatives Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Paul Ryan, R-Wis. The group wrote a book with the same title in 2010 to lay out a new course for the Republican Party.&nbsp;&nbsp;They supported budget cutbacks and reduced governmental size in an effort to change Washington. McCarthy is currently the only member of the trio in Congress.&nbsp;

<h2>Kevin McCarthy's speakership ambitions&nbsp;</h2>

McCarthy's journey hasn't always been easy, however; in late 2015, amid opposition from the same type of conservatives who vow they will obstruct him on Tuesday during the speaker vote, his speakership aspirations abruptly ended. Seven years ago, after failing to secure the speakership, McCarthy concentrated on winning over his populist critics and winning over Donald Trump.

<h2>Ties with Trump&nbsp;</h2>

Despite officially supporting McCarthy's bid for the gavel this time around, the former president hailed McCarthy's withdrawal from the contest for House speaker in 2015 when McCarthy discovered his support within the conference was only around 75% of what was required. Following the 6 January capitol attack relationship between Trump and McCarthy got soar for a while. However, McCarthy visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida less than a month after the Capitol attack to talk about his plans to take back the House in 2022.

<h2>What if McCarthy is elected as US House Speaker?&nbsp;</h2>

If elected speaker, McCarthy would be second in line for the president. McCarthy would also have a say in legislation that governs the Pentagon, federal agencies, and other institutions. But if he becomes speaker, he will still need to mediate conflicts within his party, since each group would see an increase in power in a chamber that is sharply split.

 
&nbsp;

Republican Party took control of the lower chamber by winning elections held in November. However, Republican Kevin McCarthy encountered a rebellion within his ranks to become the US House Speaker.

Republican Party took control of the lower chamber by winning elections held in November. However, Republican Kevin McCarthy encountered a rebellion within his ranks to become the US House Speaker. The California congressman lost the first round and now it's uncertain how he may succeed when the House reconvenes on Wednesday. They will keep voting until a majority is reached. Who is Kevin McCarthy? McCarthy advanced from California state politics to become the head of the Republican House conference, the party's caucus in the House of Representatives for Republicans. His success is more attributable to his ability to develop relationships than it is to his policy recommendations. He also played a crucial role in the 2010 midterm elections. Republican leader McCarthy is a native of Bakersfield, California. He started out on the side as a staffer for then-Rep. Bill Thomas before chairing the California Young Republicans and later the Young Republican National Federation. Ultimately, he won a seat in the California state Assembly in 2002, and in 2003 he was appointed GOP floor leader. According to his biography, McCarthy concentrated on economic matters throughout his time in the state assembly, such as cutting the state budget and reforming the state workers' compensation programme. After Thomas, his former boss, retired, McCarthy went on to be elected to the House in 2007 to fill the vacancy. Last of the Young guns in US Congress McCarthy was referred to be one of the "young guns," the future generation of conservative leadership, along with former representatives Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Paul Ryan, R-Wis. The group wrote a book with the same title in 2010 to lay out a new course for the Republican Party. They supported budget cutbacks and reduced governmental size in an effort to change Washington. McCarthy is currently the only member of the trio in Congress. Kevin McCarthy's speakership ambitions McCarthy's journey hasn't always been easy, however; in late 2015, amid opposition from the same type of conservatives who vow they will obstruct him on Tuesday during the speaker vote, his speakership aspirations abruptly ended. Seven years ago, after failing to secure the speakership, McCarthy concentrated on winning over his populist critics and winning over Donald Trump. Ties with Trump Despite officially supporting McCarthy's bid for the gavel this time around, the former president hailed McCarthy's withdrawal from the contest for House speaker in 2015 when McCarthy discovered his support within the conference was only around 75% of what was required. Following the 6 January capitol attack relationship between Trump and McCarthy got soar for a while. However, McCarthy visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida less than a month after the Capitol attack to talk about his plans to take back the House in 2022. What if McCarthy is elected as US House Speaker? If elected speaker, McCarthy would be second in line for the president. McCarthy would also have a say in legislation that governs the Pentagon, federal agencies, and other institutions. But if he becomes speaker, he will still need to mediate conflicts within his party, since each group would see an increase in power in a chamber that is sharply split.

Who is Republican Kevin McCarthy, the last of the 'young guns' in US Congress?

As the investigation into US Capitol Riots continues, Kevin McCarthy's explosive audio clip recorded in the aftermath of US Capitol Riots has come to light and put him in a tough spot. McCarthy can be heard discussing efforts to make Donald Trump resign

US Capitol Riots: Kevin McCarthy's audio clip in aftermath of riots puts him in a tough spot

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dubbed US politician Kevin McCarthy a "moron" after he criticised the Democratic Party and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for reimposing a mask mandate for vaccinated people in certain circumstances.

McCarthy said that the new guidance is "exclusively based on an Indian study." The paper "didn't even pass peer review," he added.

"President Biden’s CDC can’t make up its mind. One mask. Two masks. No masks. Back to one mask. Their new guidance for vaccinated individuals to wear a mask is based exclusively on a study FROM INDIA—which has NOT passed peer review—using vaccines that are NOT APPROVED in the US, " he Tweeted.

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President Biden’s CDC can’t make up its mind. One mask. Two masks. No masks. Back to one mask. 
 
Their new guidance for vaccinated individuals to wear a mask is based exclusively on a study FROM INDIA—which has NOT passed peer review—using vaccines that are NOT APPROVED in the US.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPLeader/status/1420561587346235393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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McCarthy's comments on masks, as well as Pelosi's response, came after the Capitol attending physician sent a message on Tuesday advising that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks indoors; the document stated that such instruction is necessary in the House. 
 
Later at a press conference, Pelosi said, “To say that wearing a mask is not based on science, I think, is not wise.”

(With inputs from agencies)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dubbed US politician Kevin McCarthy a "moron" after he criticised the Democratic Party and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for reimposing a mask mandate for vaccinated people in certain circumstances.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dubbed US politician Kevin McCarthy a "moron" after he criticised the Democratic Party and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for reimposing a mask mandate for vaccinated people in certain circumstances. McCarthy said that the new guidance is "exclusively based on an Indian study." The paper "didn't even pass peer review," he added. "President Biden’s CDC can’t make up its mind. One mask. Two masks. No masks. Back to one mask. Their new guidance for vaccinated individuals to wear a mask is based exclusively on a study FROM INDIA—which has NOT passed peer review—using vaccines that are NOT APPROVED in the US, " he Tweeted. President Biden’s CDC can’t make up its mind. One mask. Two masks. No masks. Back to one mask. Their new guidance for vaccinated individuals to wear a mask is based exclusively on a study FROM INDIA—which has NOT passed peer review—using vaccines that are NOT APPROVED in the US. — Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) July 29, 2021 × McCarthy's comments on masks, as well as Pelosi's response, came after the Capitol attending physician sent a message on Tuesday advising that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear masks indoors; the document stated that such instruction is necessary in the House. Later at a press conference, Pelosi said, “To say that wearing a mask is not based on science, I think, is not wise.” (With inputs from agencies)

'He is a moron': US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as McCarthy says mask rule based on 'India study'

The top House Republican refused Wednesday to punish Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for spreading false and bigoted conspiracy theories and endorsing political violence against Democrats, condemning the Georgia freshman’s previous comments but declining to take away her posts on influential congressional committees.

After days of public silence and private agonizing over what to do about Greene — who has endorsed the executions of top Democrats, suggested that school shootings were staged and said that a space laser controlled by Jewish financiers started a wildfire — the minority leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, issued a tortured statement that harshly denounced her past statements, but then argued that she should face no consequences for them.

“Past comments from and endorsed by Marjorie Taylor Greene on school shootings, political violence, and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories do not represent the values or beliefs of the House Republican Conference,” McCarthy said.

The contortions over what to do about Greene came days after Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the most powerful Republican in Washington, denounced her as a threat to his party and as more senators followed his lead.

The feuding played out behind closed doors well into Wednesday evening, as House Republicans debated stripping Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the chamber’s No. 3 Republican, of her leadership post, as a penalty for her vote to impeach President Donald Trump.

Cheney ultimately emerged victorious after a 145-61 secret ballot vote. The lopsided results also amounted to a vote of confidence in McCarthy, who delivered an impassioned closing speech, according to officials in the room. In the hourslong, often heated meeting, according to people familiar with the discussion, McCarthy stood by both Cheney and Greene, and stressed the importance of presenting a united front.

In his defense of Cheney, McCarthy told lawmakers that he wanted their leadership team to “stay together.” He reminded his colleagues that they elected him as their leader, and he asked them to let him lead by picking his team.

The challenge to Greene will continue Thursday, when House Democrats will call a vote of the full chamber to strip her of her committee assignments. McCarthy called it a “partisan power grab.”

He also warned that if they indulged the effort to strip Greene of her assignments, Democrats could try to target other Republicans, according to three people familiar with his comments, who insisted on anonymity to divulge the private exchange.

The top House Republican refused Wednesday to punish Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for spreading false and bigoted conspiracy theories and endorsing political violence against Democrats, condemning the Georgia freshman’s previous comments but declining to take away her posts on influential congressional committees.

The top House Republican refused Wednesday to punish Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for spreading false and bigoted conspiracy theories and endorsing political violence against Democrats, condemning the Georgia freshman’s previous comments but declining to take away her posts on influential congressional committees. After days of public silence and private agonizing over what to do about Greene — who has endorsed the executions of top Democrats, suggested that school shootings were staged and said that a space laser controlled by Jewish financiers started a wildfire — the minority leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, issued a tortured statement that harshly denounced her past statements, but then argued that she should face no consequences for them. “Past comments from and endorsed by Marjorie Taylor Greene on school shootings, political violence, and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories do not represent the values or beliefs of the House Republican Conference,” McCarthy said. The contortions over what to do about Greene came days after Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the most powerful Republican in Washington, denounced her as a threat to his party and as more senators followed his lead. The feuding played out behind closed doors well into Wednesday evening, as House Republicans debated stripping Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the chamber’s No. 3 Republican, of her leadership post, as a penalty for her vote to impeach President Donald Trump. Cheney ultimately emerged victorious after a 145-61 secret ballot vote. The lopsided results also amounted to a vote of confidence in McCarthy, who delivered an impassioned closing speech, according to officials in the room. In the hourslong, often heated meeting, according to people familiar with the discussion, McCarthy stood by both Cheney and Greene, and stressed the importance of presenting a united front. In his defense of Cheney, McCarthy told lawmakers that he wanted their leadership team to “stay together.” He reminded his colleagues that they elected him as their leader, and he asked them to let him lead by picking his team. The challenge to Greene will continue Thursday, when House Democrats will call a vote of the full chamber to strip her of her committee assignments. McCarthy called it a “partisan power grab.” He also warned that if they indulged the effort to strip Greene of her assignments, Democrats could try to target other Republicans, according to three people familiar with his comments, who insisted on anonymity to divulge the private exchange.

Top House Republican condemns Marjorie Taylor Greene’s comments, but stands by her

Australian counter-terror police said they arrested three men in raids across Sydney on Tuesday, foiling a plot inspired by militant group Islamic State for attacks targeting a range of public buildings and embassies.

Australia, a staunch US ally, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown radicals since 2014 and authorities say they have thwarted 16 major plots since.

Two of the arrested men, aged 20 and 23, are charged with being members of Islamic State, a crime under Australian laws, with the younger man accused of plotting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-man-accused-of-helping-islamic-state-build-missile-tech-held-12884">Sydney attack</a>, which police said was in the early stages of planning.

"We will say that they had a number of targets, including police stations, defence establishments, embassies and councils, courts and churches," Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney told reporters in Sydney.

"There are still those people within the community who wish to do us harm," he said. "I want to say they don't represent the Islamic faith. Their actions are criminal and they represent hatred and terror."

Police made the arrests because they had compiled sufficient evidence for charges, McCarthy said, but offered few details.

A third man, aged 30, is charged with welfare fraud.

The police did not name those charged, who are expected to appear in court later in the day or on Wednesday.

The so-called Islamic State caliphate was established in 2014 and although it has been driven in the past year from all territory it once held in Syria and Iraq, authorities say it remains a threat, as an underground movement.

McCarthy said the man charged with plotting had been tracked by Australian authorities since mid-2018 when he drew their attention by travelling to Lebanon.

He now faces life imprisonment, if convicted. The others face sentences as long as 10 years.

Australian counter-terror police said they arrested three men in raids across Sydney on Tuesday, foiling a plot inspired by militant group Islamic State for attacks targeting a range of public buildings and embassies.

Australian counter-terror police said they arrested three men in raids across Sydney on Tuesday, foiling a plot inspired by militant group Islamic State for attacks targeting a range of public buildings and embassies. Australia, a staunch US ally, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown radicals since 2014 and authorities say they have thwarted 16 major plots since. Two of the arrested men, aged 20 and 23, are charged with being members of Islamic State, a crime under Australian laws, with the younger man accused of plotting the Sydney attack, which police said was in the early stages of planning. "We will say that they had a number of targets, including police stations, defence establishments, embassies and councils, courts and churches," Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney told reporters in Sydney. "There are still those people within the community who wish to do us harm," he said. "I want to say they don't represent the Islamic faith. Their actions are criminal and they represent hatred and terror." Police made the arrests because they had compiled sufficient evidence for charges, McCarthy said, but offered few details. A third man, aged 30, is charged with welfare fraud. The police did not name those charged, who are expected to appear in court later in the day or on Wednesday. The so-called Islamic State caliphate was established in 2014 and although it has been driven in the past year from all territory it once held in Syria and Iraq, authorities say it remains a threat, as an underground movement. McCarthy said the man charged with plotting had been tracked by Australian authorities since mid-2018 when he drew their attention by travelling to Lebanon. He now faces life imprisonment, if convicted. The others face sentences as long as 10 years.

Australian counter-terror police say they foiled Sydney attack plot

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