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The recent mid-air encounter between an Australian naval helicopter and a Chinese fighter plane over the Yellow Sea has caused tensions between the two countries. The Australian government expressed outrage at the Chinese deployment of flares in the flight path of the Australian Seahawk helicopter, while the Chinese government claimed that the helicopter had been conducting close reconnaissance and disrupting China's training activities. This incident highlights the growing assertiveness of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, which has become the largest navy in the world in terms of vessels. Despite the tensions, the Australian government has managed to maintain its relationship with China and express its concerns without derailing the overall diplomatic ties. [Extracted from the article]

On a hard chair next to the waiting-room door, I sat for an hour defusing thoughts of my own demise, if all else failed employing conscious untruths. As is the [...]

Roman Malek and Gianni Criveller, editors. Light a Candle: Encounters and Friendship with China: Festschrift in Honor of Angelo Lazzarotto P.I.M.E. Sankt Agustin: Institut Monumenta Serica, 2010. vii + 564 [...]

May 11 marks the 400th anniversary of the death in Beijing of the legendary Matteo Ricci (1552-1610). The Italian-born Jesuit priest arrived in Macau in 1582, moved to the city [...]

The article discusses the phenomenon of hanfu, a fashion trend in China where people wear ancient costumes, particularly around historical landmarks. While hanfu is seen as just another fad, it carries symbolic weight as it represents a performative act of cultural and political hegemony by the dominant ethnic group, the Han. The article suggests that the popularity of hanfu reflects China's desire to showcase its strong and ancient culture. Despite its potential implications, the government is unlikely to discourage this trend. [Extracted from the article]

The article examines the potential influence on Australian media impartiality due to journalists receiving benefits, particularly in the context of China's "friendship diplomacy" and efforts to shape foreign opinion, as highlighted in a report by Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Topics include the impact of benefits on journalistic responsibility, the historical context of such practices and the specific strategies employed by China to influence foreign visitors and media professionals.

The article focuses on Australian Prime Minister Albanese's diplomatic visits to Washington, DC, and Beijing, highlighting the strategic nuances in his interactions with Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. Topics include the delicate balancing act in Australia's relations with the U.S. and China, Albanese's response to Biden's statements on the Philippines defense agreement, and the significance of his visit to China after a seven-year gap in high-level exchanges.

Next morning, Sunday, up early. I must have been the only person at the Butlins music festival minus a hangover. Day three, and I was yet to hear a live [...]

We agreed that we ought to get dressed, leave the holiday apartment and do something else for a few hours in the evening. There was a choice. Richard III performed [...]

We're driving east, destination Grasse. Hairpin bends circling oak-clad hills. Autumn gold and scarlet. Exciting cambers. Blinding winter sunshine. The radio tuned to France Musique. A virtuoso Latin jazz trumpet. [...]