On 13 April, 2022, an Australian climate activist Deanna ‘Violet’ Coco blocked a lane on the Sydney Harbour bridge for 28 minutes as a part of the protest drawing attention towards climate change. She was recently sentenced to 15 months in jail, convicted under controversial new NSW anti-protest laws. Ms Coco is the first person to be sentenced under these laws. The sentencing led to protests in support of Coco by several climate activists both internationally and in Australia. “Blocking the roads and train lines etc are acts of protests where people are exercising their rights to freedom of political speech,”…
Author: Kshantu Kaul
China and Australia have marked 50 years of diplomatic relations. It was on December 21, 1972, when then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam opened the diplomatic door to the People’s Republic of China.The Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, recently met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The ambassador described the meeting as “positive, constructive and encouraging”.”We should not only serve the fundamental interests of the two people but also should help to promote and develop together the Asia pacific and beyond,” Mr Xiao said during the recent Asialink Forum marking the diplomatic milestone between the two countries. “China has made us better,…
The Solomon Islands signed a security deal with China on Thursday. It is the first bilateral security agreement between China and a Pacific country. Solomon Island Prime Minister told parliament the agreement was formed in wake of the riots that has happened in the country and said China could help control any future riots and strengthen the local police force. China Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Wenbin said the “agreement will help in strengthening the Solomon Islands and this deal will also represent China’s good relations in the Pacific.” Solomon Islands opposition leader Matthew Wale said he was unaware of this…