U.S. President Trump signed a new law and an executive order denouncing Chinaโs erosion of Hong Kong autonomy, authorizing sanctions on officials and banks, among other actions. However, he declined, for now, to sanction top Chinese officials such as Hong Kongโs Chief Executive Carrie Lam.
On June 19, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison indirectly accused China of a cyber attack. The call-out was an unusual move, and though it is a calculated one, some observers wonder if it was necessary.
Following Canadaโs lead, Australia suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, citing a โfundamental change of circumstancesโ with the new national security law. Australia also offered extended visas to nearly 14,000 Hongkongers.
Beijing is fighting back against Australia, after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) conducted an unprecedented raid of the house of a Labor Party politician last week. As part of a state-backed campaign, the Global Times said it had evidence of an Australian spy โ caught "red-handed" with a map, compass, and cash โ in Shanghai.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) conducted an unprecedented raid of the house of a Labor party politician, Shaoquett Moselmane, this morning. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, they were โsearching for evidence to support allegations of a Chinese government plot unfolding on Australian soil.โ
Beijing threatens to use outbound Chinese tourism and tuition payments to Australian universities as leverage amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry didn't bother to deny a connection between "erroneous words and deeds" of Australia, including calls for more transparency from China on COVID-19, and export blockages.
As America tries to figure out a new normal for relations with China, the debate in Australia continues to grow louder, too.ย The Australian opposition Labor...
Chinaโs grim authoritarian creep continues. Asย reported by the New York Timesย and belowย from the BBC: Chinese-Australian writer Yรกng Hรฉngjลซn ๆจๆๅ has been formally arrested on espionage...