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Australia Sanctions Israel Amid West Bank Tensions

Israel to go ahead with 3000 new homes in West Bank

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law….reports Asian Lite News

The Australian government on Thursday announced sanctions on some Israelis involved in settler violence in the West Bank, the first time the country has imposed such punishment against Israelis over settlement activity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong announced financial sanctions and travel bans for seven Israelis and a youth group for participating in violent attacks against Palestinians, Xinhua news agency reported.

“This includes beatings, sexual assault, and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injury and in some cases, death. The entity sanctioned is a youth group that is responsible for inciting and perpetrating violence against Palestinian communities,” Wong said in a statement.

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law.

“We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease its ongoing settlement activity, which only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution,” she said.

Speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Wong said Australians should recognize the sanctions as a very substantial penalty.

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Australia confident of Trump supporting AUKUS sub deal

Marles reported that interactions with Trump’s camp have reassured Australia of continued support for AUKUS…reports Asian Lite News

Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles expressed confidence on Wednesday that a re-elected Donald Trump would support the AUKUS security alliance and its nuclear submarine deal.

Following discussions with Trump’s team, Marles is optimistic that Trump would uphold the A$368 billion ($243 billion) AUKUS deal, aimed at acquiring nuclear-powered submarines to counter China’s influence in the Pacific.

The deal includes purchasing three to five US Virginia Class submarines in the 2030s, despite concerns that Trump’s America First policy might prioritize US Navy needs. However, Marles reported that interactions with Trump’s camp have reassured Australia of continued support for AUKUS.

Marles highlighted bipartisan backing for AUKUS, noting that Republican support, including from Trump allies, was evident in the passage of AUKUS legislation last December.

Two weeks ago, South Korean Vice Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho vowed to strengthen defence cooperation with Australia, his office said, amid growing arms industry ties between the two countries.

Kim made the remark during a bilateral defence conference in Canberra, which discussed key threats in the Indo-Pacific region and ways to bolster cooperation between the militaries and defence industries of the two countries, Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korean defence companies, including shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, also participated in the conference to feature their products.

“Amid a grave global security environment, (the conference) presented an opportunity to further strengthen relations between South Korea and Australia,” Kim said. “(We) will make further efforts to strengthen bilateral defence and arms industry cooperation.”

The two countries have bolstered defence ties in recent years, with Canberra signing major deals to purchase South Korean weapons systems, including the Redback infantry fighting vehicle and K9 howitzers.

South Korea has sought closer security ties with Australia, with their top diplomats and defence chiefs discussing Seoul’s potential participation in part of the AUKUS security partnership in May.

The United States, Britain and Australia launched a security pact known as AUKUS in 2021 to counter China’s assertiveness.

Seoul has welcomed considerations of its possible inclusion in Pillar 2 of the partnership, which covers cooperation in advanced technologies.

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India-Indonesia-Australia trilateral explores collaboration

The three sides also noted convergence between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)…reports Asian Lite News

The India-Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Focal Points meeting was held on Tuesday, during which the three sides held discussions to explore opportunities for collaboration under the framework of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The Indian side was led by Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary (Oceania and Indo-Pacific), while the Indonesian side was led by Adi Dzulfuat, Director for Pacific and Oceanic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Australian side by Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“The three sides held discussions to explore opportunities for collaboration, including under the framework of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) mechanisms, maritime domain awareness, marine pollution and blue economy cooperation,” the MEA said in a statement.

The three sides also noted convergence between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

India, Indonesia and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their shared values and working together towards a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Earlier in May, the 2nd edition of the India-Australia-Indonesia Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop (TMSW) was conducted from May 15 to 17 at INS Dronacharya, Kochi.

The theme of the workshop was ‘Indian Ocean Region: Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Regional Maritime Security’, which was selected to discuss ongoing maritime security challenges and opportunities for collaboration between the three maritime neighbours in the region.

The workshop was conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Southern Naval Command and witnessed the participation of delegates from the three participating navies. (ANI)

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India-Austria ties to get new thrust

The upcoming prime ministerial visit from India to Austria will mark a pivotal moment in the relationship between New Delhi and Vienna, as it will lead to revitalisation of ties between the two nations, writes Ranjit Kumar

The first ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in four decades to Austria would rekindle India’s relations with the European nation. The historical significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on 9-10 July cannot be understated.
 
Prime Minister Modi’s decision to include Austria in his first bilateral foreign trip after beginning his third term in office speaks volumes about the importance he places on strengthening diplomatic relations with the European nation.
 
Furthermore, the timing of this visit is particularly noteworthy, as both countries are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their bilateral relations, adding an extra layer of significance to the visit.


 
Strong and steadfast relations
 
The relationship between India and Austria dates back to the early years of India’s independence, with Vienna holding a deep appreciation for the political support extended by New Delhi during crucial moments in history.
 
India’s intervention in the negotiations with the Soviet Union on the State Treaty of Austria in 1953 played a pivotal role in securing Austria’s independence in 1955, a gesture that has not been forgotten by the Austrian people.
 
Over the years, the two countries have maintained strong and steadfast relations, with Austria emerging as a respected voice in both European and global politics.
 
With Vienna serving as the headquarters for various international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations, Austria’s neutral status and diplomatic influence have further solidified its position on the world stage.

The historical context of high-level visits between India and Austria highlights the significance of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
 
From Indian President, K R Narayanan’s first visit in 1999 to the recent interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian leaders, there has been a consistent effort to strengthen ties.
 
The visits by then President Pratibha Patil in 2011 and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 and 1983, along with the foundational visit by then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1955, underscore the long-standing relationship between India and Austria.
 
The recent interactions between Prime Minister Modi and Austrian leaders, including the current Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, demonstrate the commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.


 
Significance of prime ministerial visit
 
With India being a key player in the global economy and a strategic partner of the European Union, closer ties between India and Austria hold immense potential. 

As both countries navigate the post-COVID world, the shared goal of strengthening and diversifying relations reflects a mutual understanding of the importance of collaboration in addressing regional and global challenges.
 
The upcoming visit by PM Modi signifies a new chapter in India-Austria relations, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between the two nations.
 
In the past few years, the two countries have been actively engaging at a senior level, culminating in the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 9-10. Regular meetings between the foreign ministers of both nations have been instrumental in fostering this relationship.

The focus of Modi’s visit will be on business, innovation, and technology, with particular attention to the recent launch of the Startup Bridge project, which has already seen 20 Indian startups participating in a major event in Vienna.
 
Additionally, both countries are exploring opportunities for technology cooperation, with the aim of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through the Startup Bridge initiative.
 
The economic ties between India and Austria are robust, with over 30 to 40 large Austrian companies already established in India across various sectors such as infrastructure, tunnelling, and track laying.
 
Furthermore, both countries are keen on exploring collaboration in key areas such as clean technologies and renewables, with Indian businesses looking to learn from Austrian expertise in these sectors.
 
 The bilateral trade of USD 2.9 billion between the two nations is balanced, with India exporting a wide range of goods including electronic products, apparel, textiles, footwear, vehicles, railway parts, rubber articles, and mechanical appliances.

Vienna [Austria], Jan 2 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg during a meeting in Vienna, on Monday. (ANI Photo)


 
Conclusion
 
The Austrian European and International affairs minister Alexander Schallenberg who visited New Delhi last March has emphasized the significant business opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade and investments, highlighting the reliability and long-term commitment of Austrian partners in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Additionally, the presence of over 500 Indian students and a 31,000-strong Indian diaspora in Austria further underscores the depth of the relationship between the two countries.
 
In order to enhance the bilateral relations between the two nations, an Indo-Austrian joint commission was established back in 1983.
 
Currently, the collaboration between India and Austria is advancing with the support of approximately 20 memorandums of understanding covering various areas such as air services, promotion and protection of investments, infrastructure cooperation in railways, health, science and technology, agriculture, and technology cooperation in shipping and ports.
 
The Austrians have already witnessed India’s scientific capabilities when they successfully launched two Austrian Satellites in 2013. With the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vienna, it is anticipated that both countries will sign multiple agreements to further solidify the ties of economic and diplomatic cooperation between them.
 
(The writer is a senior journalist and strategic affairs analyst; views expressed here are his own) – India News Network

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Australian PM declines invitation to NATO summit

While there has been no formal explanation as of Tuesday morning, the decision was reportedly made so Mr Albanese could instead focus on domestic policies….reports Asian Lite News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has turned down an invitation to meet with world leaders at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit in Washington next week.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, has confirmed he will attend the summit in place of the Prime Minister.

While there has been no formal explanation as of Tuesday morning, the decision was reportedly made so Mr Albanese could instead focus on domestic policies.

As a NATO partner, Australia was expected to attend the event as senior officials of the organisation have warned in recent months about a new regional threat.

Australia, South Korea, New Zealand and Japan were all officially invited to the 75th anniversary Washington Summit.

Delegates attend a ceremony for Finland’s accession to NATO at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, April 4, 2023. Finland on Tuesday formally became the 31st member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), ending its military non-alignment in the fastest accession procedure in record time. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

A spokesperson for the Deputy Prime Minister said: “attendance at the 75th NATO Summit underscores Australia’s commitment to advocate for our region’s strategic priorities.”

In response to the news, shadow foreign affairs minister Simon Birmingham condemned the refusal and argued Australia needs to attend important events on the international stage. 

“Unless Anthony Albanese has a very, very good reason not to be attending the NATO summit, then this is frankly a dereliction of duty by the Prime Minister,” Mr Birmingham said.

An insider source told the Sydney Morning Herald that NATO was disappointed by the Prime Minister’s apparent refusal to attend.

“It is somewhat disappointing because this gathering of leaders will hopefully send a message that the world’s leading democracies are united,” the anonymous diplomat in Brussels said.

Albanese has faced criticism in the past for excessive overseas travel and it has been suggested this factored into his decision not to attend the NATO summit. The Prime Minister has attended two NATO summits in the past, including in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2023.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to host talks Tuesday with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in a session the Pentagon says will show U.S. support for Ukraine’s security.

The talks come a week before the United States hosts a NATO summit where military support for Ukraine to help it defend against a Russian invasion is set to top the agenda.

“Secretary Austin and Minister Umerov will discuss the bilateral defense cooperation, regional security issues and ways to strengthen the defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine,” Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also is hosting talks Tuesday with Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The United States has been by far the biggest supporter of Ukraine in the more than two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

U.S. military aid is again flowing to Ukrainian forces after stalling for several months amid political gridlock in the U.S. Congress.

Zelenskyy said in a video address late Monday that he expects this month to “bring even more strength to Ukraine, particularly in protecting our sky and achieving real security for our country.”

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Australia Inks $18M Deal with India’s Space Giant

Australian firm Space Machines will launch a satellite inspection and observation payload aboard ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026…reports Asian Lite News

The Australian government on Wednesday entered into an $18 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Under the partnership, announced on the inaugural day of the India Space Congress 2024, Australian firm Space Machines will launch a satellite inspection and observation payload aboard ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026.

“It is terrific to see this historic launch agreement signed here today between Space Machines and NewSpace India Limited. Australia and India are important strategic and natural partners in the space sector; an inherently global industry,” said Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to India.

The mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Australia and India in the space domain, fostering closer ties between commercial, institutional, and governmental space organisations from both nations. 

“This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India,” Radhakrishnan Durairaj, NSIL Chairman and MD, said in a statement.

In April, Space Machines Company announced that the Space MAITRI project had received an $8.5 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects (ISI India Projects) programme.

“By combining our innovative spacecraft capabilities with India’s proven launch expertise, we are not only strengthening the ties between our nations’ space sectors but also demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable space operations,” said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company.

In addition, the head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said the agreement is an important step towards enhancing Australia’s space heritage and strengthening our relationship with India.

“Like India, Australia’s commercial space sector is rapidly growing, and we are producing innovative space technologies that benefit life on Earth. The mission will inspire future explorers and further enhance international cooperation in this critical domain,” he added.

The Space MAITRI mission involves several Australian and Indian partner companies collaborating with Space Machines Company, including Ananth Technologies, Digantara, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, The University of Technology Sydney, LeoLabs, Advanced Navigation, and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).

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Australia urged to condemn persecution of Falun Gong in China

Human rights organisations, international bodies, and governmental reports have extensively documented these abuses….reports Asian Lite News

A coalition of human rights organisations, advocacy groups, and prominent individuals has penned a joint letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging the Australian Government to take decisive action against the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

The letter, signed by 25 influential signatories, marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign against Falun Gong, which began on July 20, 1999.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice rooted in Buddhist traditions, emphasising the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

Since the crackdown started, millions of practitioners in China have faced severe human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Disturbingly, evidence indicates that Falun Gong practitioners are being killed to supply organs for China’s state-sanctioned transplantation industry.

Human rights organisations, international bodies, and governmental reports have extensively documented these abuses.

In 2007, the US State Department highlighted that Falun Gong practitioners made up 66 percent of torture victims in Chinese government custody, as reported by UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Manfred Nowak. More recently, in 2021, 12 UN Special Rapporteurs raised credible evidence of forced organ harvesting with the Chinese Government

The 2019 China Tribunal, an independent tribunal investigating forced organ harvesting, concluded that the practice has been ongoing for years on a large scale, with Falun Gong practitioners as a primary source of organs.

In response to these atrocities, the United States sanctioned a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official in 2021 for human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners.

The European Parliament has also taken a stand, passing a resolution in 2024 that urges China to cease the persecution of Falun Gong, Uyghurs, and Tibetans. This follows the US House Resolution 343, passed in 2016, demanding an end to the persecution of Falun Gong and the release of all practitioners and other prisoners of conscience.

The joint letter calls on the Australian Government to pass a motion demanding an immediate end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China and the unconditional release of all detained practitioners and prisoners of conscience.

It also asks to implement Magnitsky-style sanctions against those involved in the persecution and address the issue at the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly.

The signatories argue that Australia, as a signatory to international human rights treaties, has a moral and legal obligation to act. They urged Prime Minister Albanese to detail the measures the Australian Government will take to address these egregious human rights violations.

The letter is signed by a diverse coalition of advocates, including Lucy Zhao of the Falun Dafa Association of Australia, Michelle Pearse of the Australian Christian Lobby, Rev Bob Fu of China Aid Association, and Dolkun Isa of the World Uyghur Congress, among others. (ANI)

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China, Australia Sign MoU to Restart Economic Dialogue

The signature of the MoU was witnessed by leaders of the two countries. Liu Sushe, deputy head of the NDRC, and Treasurer of Australia Jim Chalmers represented their respective governments at the signing ceremony…reports Asian Lite News

The Chinese and Australian governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to restart strategic economic dialogue with a focus on forward-looking economic issues.

Both countries on Monday agreed to enhance communication and exchange with the aim of fostering practical and effective economic cooperation, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planner.

The signature of the MoU was witnessed by leaders of the two countries. Liu Sushe, deputy head of the NDRC, and Treasurer of Australia Jim Chalmers represented their respective governments at the signing ceremony.

In the Australian capital Canberra on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with Australia at regional and international levels, calling for opposing camp confrontation and a “new Cold War”.

Li made the remarks during the ninth China-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

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Australia, China agree to ‘manage differences’

The visit by Li Qiang marks the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years and demonstrates a further thawing of the once-frosty ties between the two nations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Canberra on Monday. Terming his talks with Albanese as “candid, in-depth and fruitful,” Li said they also exchanged views on some differences and disagreements between the two countries and agreed to manage them properly.

The visit by Li marks the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years and demonstrates a further thawing of the once-frosty ties between the two nations, ABC News reported.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Li Qiang said that the two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen exchanges between the legislatures, government departments and political parties between the two countries.

Li Qiang said, “Just now, Prime Minister Albanese and I had a candid, in depth and fruitful meeting and reached a lot of consensus. We both agreed to uphold the right characterisation of our bilateral relationship and consolidate its momentum of improvement and development. We reaffirmed our commitment to defining this relationship as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to mutual respect and trust and to viewing and handling this relationship in a positive attitude.”

“The two sides agreed to maintain high-level interactions, strengthen exchanges between the legislatures, government departments and political parties and fully resume various areas of institutional dialogue and bring their role into full play. We also had a candid exchange of views of some differences and disagreements and agreed to properly manage them in a manner befitting our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he said

The Chinese Premier said that Australia and China signed several cooperation documents on trade, education, climate change, culture and intellectual property. Li said China and Australia will make good use of such dialogue mechanisms like Strategy Economic Dialogue, the joint Ministerial Economic Commission and the Free Trade Agreement Committee to address each other’s economic and trade concerns and provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for companies.

Australian PM Albanese termed the talks as “constructive” and stressed that the two nations cannot address differences without talks.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Albanese said, “We had a constructive discussion today at our Annual Leaders’ Meeting, building on our Annual Meeting last year in Beijing. My government has put dialogue at the centre of Australia’s relationship with China because it is always most effective when we deal directly with each other.”

“That’s how we make progress on our shared interests and protect regional stability. Without dialogue, we can’t address any of the differences that arise between us. Australia and China have renewed and revitalised our engagement. We’ve agreed across a range of MoUs and arrangements today that will continue to shape and drive our practical cooperation as we continue the process of stabilising the relationship,” he added.

Albanese also extended a welcome to the Chinese Premier in Canberra. In a post on X, Albanese stated, “Welcome to Canberra, Premier Li Qiang.”

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday arrived in Australia for an official visit, Xinhua reported. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong received him at the airport. He arrived in Australia after his official visit to New Zealand as part of his three-nation visit. (ANI)

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Chinese premier Li Qiang to visit Australia

Most of those barriers have been removed since Albanese’s government was elected in 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia starting Thursday, officials said. Li will visit the three countries from June 13 to 20, a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said Tuesday.

Australia earlier announced that Li would land in the Australian city of Adelaide on June 15 and leave Perth on June 18. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Li are to hold an annual leaders’ meeting at Parliament House in the Australian capital, Canberra, during the visit.

The New Zealand and Malaysian governments have yet to announce Li’s itinerary in their countries. Li’s visit to Australia and New Zealand will be the first by a Chinese premier, the second most powerful official in China’s leadership, in seven years. A Chinese premier hasn’t visited Malaysia since 2015.

Li’s Australian trip follows a visit by Albanese to Beijing last November, when leaders agreed to resume key bilateral dialogues and further several areas of cooperation.

China imposed a series of official and unofficial trade barriers that cost Australian exporters up to 20 billion Australian dollars ($13 billion) a year after Australia’s previous government urged an international inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most of those barriers have been removed since Albanese’s government was elected in 2022.

Albanese said he would push for barriers to Australian lobster to be lifted and for imprisoned Australian democracy blogger Yang Hengjuno to be freed.

“Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia is an important opportunity to engage directly on key issues for both our nations,” Albanese said.

“Australia continues to pursue a stable and direct relationship with China, with dialogue at its core,” he said.

New Zealand officials say their discussions with Li will focus on their aim to double the value of the nation’s exports to China in a decade.

New Zealand has traditionally sought to balance its trade relationship with China with the interests of its Western allies in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing partnership, who have more assertively decried China’s growing influence in the region. Malaysia has similarly resisted taking sides in the U.S.-China rivalry.

Australia has more vocally sided with its most important security ally, the United States, in challenging China’s expanding influence.

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