Iran is 'open' to talks on Strait of Hormuz, Iranian FM says - Middle East conflict on 15 March
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues ...
China's Foreign Ministry is pushing for a "more mature, stable and fruitful" partnership with Australia. While seeking stronger ties, Beijing offered no details on reports of PM Anthony Albanese visiting this summer.
China's Foreign Ministry today signalled a strong desire for enhanced exchanges and cooperation with Australia, emphasising a commitment to a "more mature, stable and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership." However, Beijing remained tight-lipped on reports of a potential summer visit by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to meet President Xi Jinping.
During a regular news briefing, Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to queries about Albanese's reported travel plans by stating, "I don't have any information to provide at the moment on the specific visit you mentioned." Despite the lack of confirmation, Lin's comments underscored Beijing's willingness to foster closer relations with Canberra.
Prime Minister Albanese is expected to travel to Beijing in July or August for trade talks with President Xi. Such a visit would follow Albanese's four-day trip to China in November 2023, which aimed to stabilise the often-strained ties between the two nations.
The relationship between China and Australia has seen a period of cautious recalibration following several years of diplomatic and economic friction. Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Australia in June 2024, the first by a Chinese premier in seven years, was a significant step in this ongoing effort. These high-level exchanges, including Albanese's 2023 visit, indicate a mutual desire to rebuild trust and address areas of divergence.
While economic relations have shown signs of improvement with China lifting restrictions on various Australian exports, including wine and barley, both nations continue to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. Australia remains committed to its strategic alliances, particularly with the United States, while seeking pragmatic engagement with its largest trading partner, China.
As both countries continue to "feel out what an optimal settling point might look like," as described by analysts, the prospect of another high-level visit from Prime Minister Albanese to China this summer would undoubtedly be a key indicator of the trajectory of this vital bilateral relationship. For now, the specifics of such a trip remain unconfirmed, but the underlying message from Beijing points towards a desire for deeper engagement.
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A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in the latest push by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to build new global alliances.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of candidates almost exclusively fielded by the Communist Party, ensuring the party's continued overwhelming dominance.
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