Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney’s Post

Question Paper The National Assembly is in session today with vital oral question time focused on Peace and Security. Ministers across portfolios will address urgent topics including: 🔹 Crime and Policing Partnerships – The Minister of Police will outline new partnerships between the SA Police Service and the private sector to combat crime. 🔹 Border Management and National Security – Strengthening South Africa’s border control and security infrastructure is on the agenda, with discussions led by the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister in The Presidency. 🔹 Diplomatic and International Relations – South Africa’s foreign policy positions, particularly around relations with Taiwan and Russia, will be examined as the Minister of International Relations answers pressing questions on global diplomacy. 🔹 Gender-Based Violence – The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development will provide updates on the effectiveness of recent legislation aimed at combatting gender-based violence. 💡 Key Observations These discussions reflect South Africa’s strategic priorities in security, international relations, and social justice. Watching how these topics unfold today will provide insight into the direction of our policies on both domestic and international fronts. 🔗 https://bit.ly/40HYHvN Are these areas relevant to your sector or interests? Let’s connect and exchange insights on these critical issues. #PolicyInFocus #PeaceAndSecurity #SouthAfrica

Rising Militarization in the Pacific: A Deep Dive into Security Alliances and Their Implications Recent analysis has illuminated a complex web of security, policing, and defense agreements shaping the Pacific region, underscoring mounting concerns over its militarization. Dominated by Australia, which holds more than half of the identified deals, followed by New Zealand, the US, and China, these agreements span over 60 initiatives. They include substantial investments in infrastructure and equipment to bolster defense and policing capabilities across Pacific nations. A significant portion of these agreements, over half, prioritize policing, focusing on training and equipment donations to enhance capabilities against rising transnational crime and security threats. Notably, China has emerged as a prominent player in this arena, with nearly half a dozen initiatives aimed at supporting policing efforts in Pacific countries in recent years. Experts have voiced apprehensions about the regional militarization trend, citing pivotal agreements such as China's 2022 security deal with Solomon Islands and the US defense cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea in 2023. Papua New Guinea, despite being one of the largest Pacific nations with its own security challenges, collaborates extensively with partners like Australia, the US, and increasingly, China. Donald Yamasombi, a deputy commissioner in Papua New Guinea's police force, highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in tackling local security issues. He noted a keen interest from foreign partners in assisting with challenges like the escalating methamphetamine trade and related crimes. While acknowledging Papua New Guinea's multi-faceted partnerships, Yamasombi expressed openness to further collaboration, including potential training programs with Chinese police forces. The evolving security landscape in the Pacific necessitates a balanced approach, ensuring that collaborations foster regional stability without compromising sovereignty. As nations navigate these alliances, the implications for local governance, security, and geopolitical dynamics remain pivotal. #PacificSecurity #DefenseAgreements #RegionalMilitarization #TransnationalCrime #ChinaInPacific #USAlliances #PolicingInitiatives #InfrastructureInvestment #GeopoliticalDynamics #PacificGovernance #SecurityPartnerships

In the labyrinth of international #relations, the ties between #Israel and the European Union (#EU) are undergoing a significant transformation. The recent escalation in #Gaza, particularly the attacks on #Rafah, has precipitated a stark and rapid deterioration in these once-steadfast relations. As #Israel faces mounting criticism and potential #diplomatic isolation from its European allies, it stands at a critical juncture in its geopolitical journey.

UK Minister Advocates for Indo-Pacific Stability in Key Diplomatic Dialogue: The enhancement of the UK-India relationship stands as a cornerstone of the UK’s long-term foreign policy objectives, as delineated in the Integrated Review Refresh. #UKIndia #IndoPacific #UKIndiaRelations #RaisinaDialogue2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, and national dignity during a call with Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. The discussion focused on the Middle East situation, with Bagheri outlining Iran's stance on the assassination of a Hamas leader and reaffirming its commitment to national integrity and regional stability. Bagheri thanked China for its neutral position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and called for greater Chinese involvement in promoting security in the region. Wang condemned the assassination, calling it a violation of international norms and detrimental to regional peace. He emphasized the need for international cooperation to implement UN Security Council resolutions for a cease-fire in Gaza. Wang noted the strategic partnership between China and Iran, highlighting the importance of mutual support and cooperation in various fields, including under the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. Bagheri expressed Iran's willingness to enhance coordination with China on international and regional issues. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #China Follow us for daily updates on risk and operations in Asia! https://lnkd.in/gAXMfXKG

In what looks to be continued deepening of China-Hungary ties, China's Public Security Minister has met with the Hungarian Prime Minister to offer support in #publicsecurity matters in the central #European country. This stretches cooperation between both countries beyond trade and investment, potentially adding to the West's concern about the growing relations between #China and #Hungary. #diplomacy #centraleurope #EU #USA #security #nationalsecurity

Could either be seen as US’ complicity with Israel or US’ waning influence or deliberate inaction/selective action to suit domestic American pressures. China (and Russia) will milk this for strategic gains especially in Asia and global south. Other countries’ faith in international law and rules-based order and diplomacy would decline, thus paving the way for more arms procurements by their militaries to ensure deterrence. Or looking to expand their diplomatic options, viz. SCO and BRICS. https://lnkd.in/gYKXhd4q

Too many very dangerous conflicts that can escalate any time and if you prepare for war you get war not PEACE ✌️☮️ Three dangerzones right now that can blow up any time the United Nations are failing at restoring peace and diplomacy seems to be a thing of the past! Can all three explode💥? So what will we see? Who can de escalate? The #UN #NATO #China #Brasil #Russia #BRICS+ #UNSC #UNGA #EU who?🤔 Taiwan 💥 Ukraine 💥 Gaza💥 Ukraine 💥 Gaza💥 Taiwan 💥 Gaza💥 Taiwan 💥 Ukraine 💥 Under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council can take enforcement measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such measures range from economic sanctions to international military action. The Council also establishes UN Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions. The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or an act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. There should never again be a VETO against peace! #NeverAgain Now is the time to unite for peace! ☮️✌️ Take a look at my profile featured posts to see how ! Business for Peace! Needs your support! help me connect the dots for peace! Peace starts with #Connection #Justice #Freedom #Negotiations ……

What the Draft UN “Pact for the Future” Tells Us About International Insecurity “It remains to be seen which parts of this agenda survive the final stage of intergovernmental negotiations before world leaders finally meet for the Summit of the Future on Sept. 21. But the draft alone does tell us a little about the state of thinking around the UN concerning the organization’s role in peace and security in the years ahead, as well as the institution’s limitations,” RICHARD GOWAN writes. #unitednations #summitforthefuture #pactforthefuture #un #unsc #peacekeeping #securitycouncil #unsecuritycouncil #thinkun

#China / #EU / #Hungary - Yesterday we reported on Chinese engagement in Serbia and the Balkans; today, more news about China's influence operations in Hungary. In unusual move, China offers to back Hungary in security matters - story from Reuters News Agency: China offered to support long-time strategic partner Hungary on public security issues, going beyond trade and investment relations, during a rare meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orban, just as NATO struggles to expand its network in Europe. China hopes to deepen law enforcement and security ties with Hungary as the two mark their 75th year of diplomatic relations, Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong told Orban last week, the official Xinhua news agency said. During a visit to Budapest, Wang said he hoped such efforts would be "a new highlight of bilateral relations" in areas such as combating terrorism and transnational crimes. They would also encompass security and law enforcement capacity building under President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to link China with the world through trade and infrastructure links. Wang also met Interior Minister Sandor Pinter and signed documents on law enforcement and security co-operation, Xinhua said on Sunday, but did not give details. China's security assurance comes as Hungary, a Russian ally [Hoplite Group editorial comment: Labeling Hungary "a Russian ally" in the same sentence as a mention of NATO - the alliance that Hungary is formally a member of - is probably a bridge too far], has worked to dilute its dependence on Western countries in the past decade under Orban, recently resisting pressure to approve the expansion of NATO in Europe. Hungary is the only NATO state that has not ratified Sweden's application to join the security bloc. China has been critical of NATO, especially after the bloc said last year that Beijing had challenged its interests, security and values with its "ambitions and coercive policies." Full story: https://lnkd.in/et6WG-gt