Another showdown in the South Pacific, 80 years on

By on    Australia, China, Columnists, Donald Kirk, Exclusives, India, Japan, Rest of The Best, South Korea, Top Stories, U.S. Intelligence, U.S. Military  

Another showdown in the South Pacific, 80 years on

Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk The South Pacific is again a battleground. China is not nearly at the stage of taking over any of the 15 islands stretching across the region of Oceania, but it’s definitely disturbing the foes of Chinese expansionism. This week, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, is touching down on eight […]

What is AUKUS and why are the Chinese, the North Koreans and the French all so upset?

By on    Afghanistan, Australia, China, Columnists, Donald Kirk, New Zealand, Rest of The Best, Top Stories, U.S. Military  

What is AUKUS and why are the Chinese, the North Koreans and the French all so upset?

Special to WorldTribune.com By Donald Kirk The acronym AUKUS, when you try to pronounce it, sounds like some weird wild animal, an AUKUS. The initials stand for Australia, U.K., U.S., but to the North Koreans and their Chinese masters,they might as well spell the exotic name of one of those strange beasts that only inhabits […]

Australia’s pro-Obama Gillard government clings to power, reduces defense spending

By on    Australia, Exclusives, LIFE, NE Asia, Stateside, Top Stories, U.S. Politics  

Australia’s pro-Obama Gillard government clings to power, reduces defense spending

Special to WorldTribune.com By Gregory Copley, Global Information System Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s Labor Party (ALP)-dominated coalition Government of Australia has clung to power without an express public mandate since the August 21, 2010, House of Representatives elections. This has been largely because its parliamentary majority has been guaranteed by four independent parliamentarians and one […]