Australia opposes China's militarisation of East Sea
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has raised objections to China’s militarisation of the East Sea after reports that a Chinese bomber capable of carrying a nuclear warhead had landed in the Paracel archipelago.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (Source: afr.com)
Hanoi (VNA) – Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishophas raised objections to China’s militarisation of the East Sea after reports thata Chinese bomber capable of carrying a nuclear warhead had landed in theParacel archipelago.
Bishop on May 21 held talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yion the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Argentina, ABC Newsreported.
The Australian minister described the discussion as “very warmand candid and constructive” and said she would shortly visit the Chinesecapital of Beijing.
She also affirmed that Australia would “continue to approach ourbilateral relationship with goodwill and realism and pragmatism and opencommunication”.
While the meeting in Argentina was obviously intended to achievea diplomatic thaw, Bishop confirmed she had raised objections about China’sactivities in the East Sea.
Australia’sposition has been very clear and consistent and it is very well known to China,she said, adding that Canberra’s concern about militarisation of disputedfeatures in the East Sea has been the subject of a number of discussions.
Bishopalso discussed the East Sea issue with the US at the G20 meeting. She saidAustralia would continue to exercise its rights to freedom of navigation andoverflight “and support the rights of others to do so” – and had conveyed thatposition to China.-VNA
$0Domestic and foreign scholars suggested ideas for maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea at the ongoing international symposium on the East Sea workshop in Hanoi on November 11. $0 $0
The East Sea once again took the theme of an int'l workshop that was held at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra where experts looked into a number of issues regarding this important sea.
An international workshop on the East Sea was held at the Asia-Africa Institute under Hamburg University in northern Germany, drawing many leading scholars and researchers on Asia, Southeast Asia.
Security and cooperation in the East Sea were the focus of discussions at a workshop organised in Moscow on September 18 by the Institute of Oriental Studies under the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (Source: afr.com) 
