The article examines whether the Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has softened its stance on China. It discusses the historical context of Australia's relations with China and the U.S., including economic ties and security alliances. The article highlights the continuity and changes in Australia's foreign policy, particularly in response to China's actions such as trade sanctions and regional assertiveness. It also explores the implications of the AUKUS pact, the Labor Party's rise to power, and the potential impact on the U.S.-Australia alliance. Experts suggest that despite warmer rhetoric, Australia's strategic stance remains firm, with a focus on regional defense and maintaining strong ties with the U.S. and other allies.

North Korea's state media claims a successful test of a cruise missile with a range of 1,500 km, indicating the regime's capability for tactical nuclear weapons. This development could lead to a new phase in nuclear negotiations and raises the risk of a tactical nuclear exchange escalating into a strategic nuclear exchange, especially if the Korean People's Army resorts to nuclear weapons when facing defeat.

Hong Kong's protests escalated to violence in response to the government's proposed extradition law amendment and subsequent dismissive attitude towards peaceful demonstrations. The protesters' demands expanded to include the removal of Chief Executive Carrie Lam, universal suffrage, amnesty for arrested protesters, and a formal withdrawal of the bill. Despite the suspension of the bill, the protests continued, with instances of vandalism and clashes with police. The article discusses the historical context of Hong Kong's relationship with China, the international implications of the protests, and the strategic use of violence by protesters to draw global attention to China's actions. The recent national security law passed by Beijing further threatens Hong Kong's autonomy, prompting international responses such as the U.S. revoking Hong Kong's preferential trade status and the U.K. offering a path to citizenship for Hongkongers.