Asia Pacific Defence Reporter

We start with a few thoughts on the awful terrorist attack on members of the Jewish community holding a party on Bondi Beach. But we cannot ignore other developments and have some further thoughts about the new US National Security Strategy, which explicitly attacks Europe and gives both Russia and China a leave pass. The official policy of the US is that they will now support European far-right political parties in what is obviously interference in the internal affairs of other nations. People should be outraged - as they would be if China said they planned to do the same thing in Asia. Our politicians won't say anything because they are moral cowards. Finally - instead of buying second hand Virginia class subs from the US, let's buy 40 year old Los Angeles boats instead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The adventure continues with a late arrival in Kashgar - also known as Kashi - and a crowded program of educational and cultural events. The city has a very long history and is a colourful mix of cultures and religions.Then it was a flight to Ili, the capital of the Kazakh autonomous prefecture which was different again from Urumqi and Kashgar. Treats included milk beer and a visit to the former governor's palace - a frequent residence for exiles from eastern parts of China.Then a return to Urumqi for the final part of the tour and one of the most consequential events - a visit to the Exhibition of Counterterrorism and Deradicalisation in Xinjiang. This explained why - in often gruesome detail - why security crackdowns have been necessary.The quick summary of the 8 day program - Xinjiang is friendly, interesting, and well worth a visit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a busy time internationally with the US releasing a shocking National Security Strategy document that throws Europe under a bus and favours improved relations with Russia. Australian politicians need to take note. But also some thoughts on the restructure of Defence so that acquisitions will be done by a separate agency. That's all well and good but the main improvements need to be cultural and attitudinal on the part of Defence managers. Keeping the same people and giving them new titles won't make the slightest difference. The rumours were correct and more aid will go to Ukraine - but given that the US is in the pocket of Russia a lot more will be needed. A final thought - the US is currently siding with China over their ugly war of words with Japan. Why should Australia be any different? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

APDR was invited for a media tour to China’s Xinjiang autonomous region in September and we decided that listeners will be interested in more details than have so far been reported. This podcast is part travel log, part analysis and part personal commentary about the experience. We set the scene with some thoughts about China and the first part of the visit to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. Part 2 next week will begin with arriving in Kashgar. Comments on our website asiapacificdefencereporter.com are welcome, as are emails to: [email protected] content will not be allowed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start with breaking news of a Defence restructure - though it's too early to tell if it will make a difference. Then - despite the best efforts of many - the government is refusing to close a loophole allowing Russian oil to be sold in Australia, though it is possible that a new aid package is being developed. It can't come fast enough with the US continuing to side with Russia in a plan that would end Ukraine's independence - and we go into the main motivation: greed and the chance for the Trump family and their friends to make untold billions from the situation. Finally some words about why the US is moving towards military action against Venezuela - and that's more greed at work. Australia's politicians have to realise that the US will no longer help Australia unless there's something in it for them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.