In recent months senior Australian politicians have talked openly about a potential military conflict with China over Taiwan. The increasingly tense rhetoric follows a series of incursions by China into Taiwanese air and naval space. Today, Hugh White, on the changing power dynamics in our region, and the risks of war between the US and China.

The world’s two superpowers, China and the United States, have been steadily building up their military presence in the Taiwan Strait. President Xi Jinping has made it clear that he wants to bring Taiwan back under China’s control - a move the US seems likely to resist at all costs. Today, Hugh White on how Australia could be drawn into a war over Taiwan.

Australia has entered into a new trilateral military alliance with the United Kingdom and the United States, called AUKUS. The partnership was sealed with the announcement that Australia would, for the first time, construct and operate a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Today, Hugh White on why this new submarine deal puts Australia at risk.

Every two years the Australian and US defence forces engage in a massive military exercise called Talisman Sabre. This year, many observers say the focus has been on China. The wargames haven’t gone unnoticed, in fact the Chinese navy sent two spy ships to monitor the situation. Today, Brian Toohey on the danger of these military maneuvers and the espionage arms race taking place in our region.

Scott Morrison’s push for an inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak has further strained Australia’s relationship with China. The Chinese government has expressed concern and threatened retaliation. Today, Paul Bongiorno on a new low in Chinese–Australian relations.