pigfarmer
tall, thin, irritable
Australia accuses China of shining laser at warplane
Australia accuses China of shining laser at warplane
Published 19 hours ago
Image
The Australian government released images of the ship it said the laser came from, which was one of two Chinese Navy ships sailing together
The Australian defence ministry has accused a Chinese navy ship of shining a "military grade" laser towards one of its warplanes.
The Chinese vessel was sailing in the Arafura Sea off northern Australia when the incident happened on Thursday.
"Acts like this have the potential to endanger lives. We strongly condemn unprofessional and unsafe military conduct," the ministry said.
The Chinese authorities have yet to comment.
Relations between the two countries have been strained in recent years over a number of disputes.
Australian media have reported similar laser incidents in the past, which intelligence officials have blamed on small Chinese vessels.
A statement from the Australian department of defence said the plane targeted was a Boeing P-8A Poseidon - a marine patrol aircraft equipped with weapons systems and sensors for detecting submarines.
It said the ship was one of two Chinese Navy vessels sailing east in the Arafura Sea before passing through the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea, and into the Coral Sea.
"These actions could have endangered the safety and lives of the Australian Defence Force personnel," the ministry said. "Such actions are not in keeping with the standards we expect of professional militaries."
Image
The Boeing P-8A Poseidon is a marine patrol aircraft equipped with weapons systems and sensors for detecting submarines
China is Australia's biggest trading partner, and in the past, the two have maintained good relations. But in recent years that has broken down.
Australia has accused Beijing of interfering in its domestic politics, banned Chinese telecom giant Huawei from building Australian tech infrastructure and called for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Beijing in turn cautioned students and tourists against going to Australia, citing racist incidents in light of the pandemic.
In September, China said a new security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US risked "severely damaging regional peace... and intensifying the arms race".
The Chinese state-run Global Times newspaper said at the time Australia had "turned itself into an adversary of China".
Australia accuses China of shining laser at warplane
Published 19 hours ago
The Australian government released images of the ship it said the laser came from, which was one of two Chinese Navy ships sailing together
The Australian defence ministry has accused a Chinese navy ship of shining a "military grade" laser towards one of its warplanes.
The Chinese vessel was sailing in the Arafura Sea off northern Australia when the incident happened on Thursday.
"Acts like this have the potential to endanger lives. We strongly condemn unprofessional and unsafe military conduct," the ministry said.
The Chinese authorities have yet to comment.
Relations between the two countries have been strained in recent years over a number of disputes.
Australian media have reported similar laser incidents in the past, which intelligence officials have blamed on small Chinese vessels.
A statement from the Australian department of defence said the plane targeted was a Boeing P-8A Poseidon - a marine patrol aircraft equipped with weapons systems and sensors for detecting submarines.
It said the ship was one of two Chinese Navy vessels sailing east in the Arafura Sea before passing through the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea, and into the Coral Sea.
"These actions could have endangered the safety and lives of the Australian Defence Force personnel," the ministry said. "Such actions are not in keeping with the standards we expect of professional militaries."
The Boeing P-8A Poseidon is a marine patrol aircraft equipped with weapons systems and sensors for detecting submarines
China is Australia's biggest trading partner, and in the past, the two have maintained good relations. But in recent years that has broken down.
Australia has accused Beijing of interfering in its domestic politics, banned Chinese telecom giant Huawei from building Australian tech infrastructure and called for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Beijing in turn cautioned students and tourists against going to Australia, citing racist incidents in light of the pandemic.
In September, China said a new security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US risked "severely damaging regional peace... and intensifying the arms race".
The Chinese state-run Global Times newspaper said at the time Australia had "turned itself into an adversary of China".
pigfarmer
tall, thin, irritable
Aukus: UK, US and Australia pact signals Asia-Pacific power shift
Aukus: UK, US and Australia pact signals Asia-Pacific power shift
By Suranjana Tewari
BBC News
Published 16 September 2021
Image
China has demonstrated increasing power and influence in the Asia Pacific raising concerns amongst global players
A new security partnership in the Asia-Pacific will see the UK and US provide Australia with the technology and capability to deploy nuclear-powered submarines. American officials have said the move was not aimed at countering Beijing. However experts say the Aukus agreement signals a paradigm shift in strategy and policy across the region.
The timing of the new deal is particularly significant. It comes just a month after the US exit from Afghanistan, when doubts have been raised in multiple quarters about US commitment in the region.
Britain too is eager to be more involved in the Asia-Pacific especially after its exit from the European Union and Australia is increasingly concerned about China's influence.
"It is a 'big deal' because this really shows that all three nations are drawing a line in the sand to start and counter the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) aggressive moves in the Indo-Pacific," Guy Boekenstein, senior director of defence and national security at Australia's Northern Territory government, told the BBC.
"It also publicly demonstrates our combined stance on this and commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region - one that for the past 70 years has led to the prosperity of all in the region, including China's economic growth."
What does the agreement involve?
The agreement involves the sharing of information and technology in a number of areas including intelligence and quantum technology as well as the acquisition of cruise missiles.
But the nuclear submarines are key. They are to be built in Adelaide in South Australia and will involve the US and the UK providing consultation on technology for their production.
"A nuclear submarine has enormous defence capabilities and therefore ramifications for the region. Only six countries in the world have nuclear submarines. They are a really powerful deterrent capability without giving them nuclear weapons," Michael Shoebridge, director of defence, strategy and national security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said.
Nuclear submarines are much more stealthy than conventional ones - they operate quietly, are able to move easily and are harder to detect.
At least eight submarines will be supported, although it's not clear when they will be deployed. The process will take longer due to a lack of nuclear infrastructure in Australia.
They will not be nuclear armed, only powered with nuclear reactors.
"Let me be clear: Australia is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons or establish a civil nuclear capability," Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
President Biden added that there would be an initial 18-month consultation period with teams from the three countries to decide how it would work and to ensure compliance with non-proliferation commitments.
However, the move does show that the US and UK are willing to take the big step of exporting nuclear technology to a non-nuclear powered nation, according to Yun Sun, co-director of the East Asia Programme at the Stimson Center.
And that is what makes the partnership so unique.
"This technology is extremely sensitive. This is frankly an exception to our policy in many respects, I do not anticipate that this will be undertaken in other circumstances going forward. We view this as a one-off," a US official told Reuters, adding that Washington had shared nuclear propulsion technology only once before - with Britain in 1958.
How will Asia react?
In recent years, China has demonstrated increasing power and influence in the region.
"We hear words about co-operation and then we see the threats against Taiwan and events in Hong Kong and the rapid militarisation of the South China Sea. So really when it comes to strategic issues, deterrents seem to be the only thing that makes sense against China," Mr Shoebridge said.
The US has been investing heavily in other partnerships in the region too with Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines, as well as India and Vietnam.
This deal could benefit all of them, according to Mr Shoebridge, in the face of concerns about China's growing power.
"The region will appreciate that. This is part of a geopolitical shift which is driven by one big thing. And that is the direction that Xi Jinping is taking. This announcement fits with the growing participation of the world's biggest democracies to deter China from using its power" Mr Shoebridge added.
The response has reportedly been positive, even if it has been a quiet recognition.
Image
President Biden will host the first in-person meeting of leaders of the "Quad" group of countries next week
Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia programme at policy think tank the German Marshall Fund said: "My understanding from people in the administration - having talked to allies and partners who have an interest in peace and security in the Indo-Pacific - is that there was nothing negative. There is support in the region for deterrence and for having US presence and military presence in the region."
What does it mean for Australia-China relations?
One relationship that will undoubtedly change as a result of the agreement is the one between China and Australia.
The two nations have been strong trade partners in the past with a large number of Chinese students choosing to study in Australia.
However, political relations deteriorated after Australia backed a global inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.
The pact shows Australia is aligning itself with the US and UK but also signals a vote of confidence in Australia which is looking to play a more active role in Asian security.
"Just because Australia has nuclear submarines doesn't mean it is more powerful than China. It does change the balance of power in the region. If China does face a security situation in the South China Sea or Taiwan Strait, it will affect the military preparedness or response that China will have to prepare for. It does change the power equilibrium in the region," Ms Sun told the BBC.
In response to the deal, China's embassy in Washington said the governments involved "should shake off their Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice".
However, the reaction on the mainland might be even stronger.
"What's Chinese for apoplectic? One can expect a fiery-hot reaction from Beijing… This gives Australia and the US another tool in the toolbox to deter China," William Choong, senior fellow in regional strategic and political studies at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said.
Aukus: UK, US and Australia pact signals Asia-Pacific power shift
By Suranjana Tewari
BBC News
Published 16 September 2021
China has demonstrated increasing power and influence in the Asia Pacific raising concerns amongst global players
A new security partnership in the Asia-Pacific will see the UK and US provide Australia with the technology and capability to deploy nuclear-powered submarines. American officials have said the move was not aimed at countering Beijing. However experts say the Aukus agreement signals a paradigm shift in strategy and policy across the region.
The timing of the new deal is particularly significant. It comes just a month after the US exit from Afghanistan, when doubts have been raised in multiple quarters about US commitment in the region.
Britain too is eager to be more involved in the Asia-Pacific especially after its exit from the European Union and Australia is increasingly concerned about China's influence.
"It is a 'big deal' because this really shows that all three nations are drawing a line in the sand to start and counter the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) aggressive moves in the Indo-Pacific," Guy Boekenstein, senior director of defence and national security at Australia's Northern Territory government, told the BBC.
"It also publicly demonstrates our combined stance on this and commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region - one that for the past 70 years has led to the prosperity of all in the region, including China's economic growth."
What does the agreement involve?
The agreement involves the sharing of information and technology in a number of areas including intelligence and quantum technology as well as the acquisition of cruise missiles.
But the nuclear submarines are key. They are to be built in Adelaide in South Australia and will involve the US and the UK providing consultation on technology for their production.
"A nuclear submarine has enormous defence capabilities and therefore ramifications for the region. Only six countries in the world have nuclear submarines. They are a really powerful deterrent capability without giving them nuclear weapons," Michael Shoebridge, director of defence, strategy and national security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said.
Nuclear submarines are much more stealthy than conventional ones - they operate quietly, are able to move easily and are harder to detect.
At least eight submarines will be supported, although it's not clear when they will be deployed. The process will take longer due to a lack of nuclear infrastructure in Australia.
They will not be nuclear armed, only powered with nuclear reactors.
"Let me be clear: Australia is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons or establish a civil nuclear capability," Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
President Biden added that there would be an initial 18-month consultation period with teams from the three countries to decide how it would work and to ensure compliance with non-proliferation commitments.
However, the move does show that the US and UK are willing to take the big step of exporting nuclear technology to a non-nuclear powered nation, according to Yun Sun, co-director of the East Asia Programme at the Stimson Center.
And that is what makes the partnership so unique.
"This technology is extremely sensitive. This is frankly an exception to our policy in many respects, I do not anticipate that this will be undertaken in other circumstances going forward. We view this as a one-off," a US official told Reuters, adding that Washington had shared nuclear propulsion technology only once before - with Britain in 1958.
How will Asia react?
In recent years, China has demonstrated increasing power and influence in the region.
"We hear words about co-operation and then we see the threats against Taiwan and events in Hong Kong and the rapid militarisation of the South China Sea. So really when it comes to strategic issues, deterrents seem to be the only thing that makes sense against China," Mr Shoebridge said.
The US has been investing heavily in other partnerships in the region too with Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines, as well as India and Vietnam.
This deal could benefit all of them, according to Mr Shoebridge, in the face of concerns about China's growing power.
"The region will appreciate that. This is part of a geopolitical shift which is driven by one big thing. And that is the direction that Xi Jinping is taking. This announcement fits with the growing participation of the world's biggest democracies to deter China from using its power" Mr Shoebridge added.
The response has reportedly been positive, even if it has been a quiet recognition.
President Biden will host the first in-person meeting of leaders of the "Quad" group of countries next week
Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia programme at policy think tank the German Marshall Fund said: "My understanding from people in the administration - having talked to allies and partners who have an interest in peace and security in the Indo-Pacific - is that there was nothing negative. There is support in the region for deterrence and for having US presence and military presence in the region."
What does it mean for Australia-China relations?
One relationship that will undoubtedly change as a result of the agreement is the one between China and Australia.
The two nations have been strong trade partners in the past with a large number of Chinese students choosing to study in Australia.
However, political relations deteriorated after Australia backed a global inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.
The pact shows Australia is aligning itself with the US and UK but also signals a vote of confidence in Australia which is looking to play a more active role in Asian security.
"Just because Australia has nuclear submarines doesn't mean it is more powerful than China. It does change the balance of power in the region. If China does face a security situation in the South China Sea or Taiwan Strait, it will affect the military preparedness or response that China will have to prepare for. It does change the power equilibrium in the region," Ms Sun told the BBC.
In response to the deal, China's embassy in Washington said the governments involved "should shake off their Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice".
However, the reaction on the mainland might be even stronger.
"What's Chinese for apoplectic? One can expect a fiery-hot reaction from Beijing… This gives Australia and the US another tool in the toolbox to deter China," William Choong, senior fellow in regional strategic and political studies at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said.
nivek
As Above So Below
Canada Freedom Convoy: European Parliament member compares Trudeau to communist 'dictator'
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was lambasted this weekend by a member of European Parliament for cracking down on anti-vaccine mandate protesters in the capital of Ottawa.
"The prime minister of Canada, the way he’s behaving right now – he’s exactly like a tyrant, like a dictator. He’s like Ceaușescu in Romania," MEP Cristian Terheș, of Romania, said during a speech to European Parliament in Brussels. "If you raise doubts about the vaccines, you’re outcasted. What’s the difference between what he does and what happened under The Inquisition?"
Ceaușescu was a Romanian communist politician and dictator until the late 1980s.
"On one side they say well we should not believe in God," Terhes continued, making a comparison to the 12th century Catholic Church’s effort to root out heresy in Europe and the Americas. "But on the other they say believe in science," he said of modern governments. "We don’t have to. Science is not about belief. Science is about measurements, conclusions, hypothesis and arguments."
Terhes said he is offering support to truckers peacefully participating in the Freedom Convoy in Canada.
.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was lambasted this weekend by a member of European Parliament for cracking down on anti-vaccine mandate protesters in the capital of Ottawa.
"The prime minister of Canada, the way he’s behaving right now – he’s exactly like a tyrant, like a dictator. He’s like Ceaușescu in Romania," MEP Cristian Terheș, of Romania, said during a speech to European Parliament in Brussels. "If you raise doubts about the vaccines, you’re outcasted. What’s the difference between what he does and what happened under The Inquisition?"
Ceaușescu was a Romanian communist politician and dictator until the late 1980s.
"On one side they say well we should not believe in God," Terhes continued, making a comparison to the 12th century Catholic Church’s effort to root out heresy in Europe and the Americas. "But on the other they say believe in science," he said of modern governments. "We don’t have to. Science is not about belief. Science is about measurements, conclusions, hypothesis and arguments."
Terhes said he is offering support to truckers peacefully participating in the Freedom Convoy in Canada.
.
pigfarmer
tall, thin, irritable
Jesus, if the Canadians are getting this upset over something we ought to be paying more attention. Normally pretty quiet polite folks. In contrast the French are always pissed off about something and taking to the streets - making people work a three day week or whatever. Trudeau probably would 'give them a whiff of grape' given half a chance. Born in the wrong century I guess, don't think this will 'reopen his career'. Quite the opposite I'd think.
Notable how certain media channels here give this almost no coverage and if any it's negative. Fox said some were trampled to death by horses. Don't know if they issued a correction or not - I didn't think anyone was killed. Badly hurt yes, but not dead. After I cruised through those channels I sat and stared at a spot on the wall a while - a more productive activity.
Napoleonic Satires
A political event was to reopen his career overnight. In Oct., 1795, the Convention was assailed by a royalist Parisian uprising, and Paul Barras persuaded the Convention to place Bonaparte in command of the troops. Napoleon dispersed the mob with what he called "a whiff of grapeshot"-which killed about 100 insurgents. He was given command of the army of the interior. After drawing up a plan for an Italian campaign, he was, again with Barras's help, made commander in chief of the army of Italy.
Notable how certain media channels here give this almost no coverage and if any it's negative. Fox said some were trampled to death by horses. Don't know if they issued a correction or not - I didn't think anyone was killed. Badly hurt yes, but not dead. After I cruised through those channels I sat and stared at a spot on the wall a while - a more productive activity.
Napoleonic Satires
A political event was to reopen his career overnight. In Oct., 1795, the Convention was assailed by a royalist Parisian uprising, and Paul Barras persuaded the Convention to place Bonaparte in command of the troops. Napoleon dispersed the mob with what he called "a whiff of grapeshot"-which killed about 100 insurgents. He was given command of the army of the interior. After drawing up a plan for an Italian campaign, he was, again with Barras's help, made commander in chief of the army of Italy.
AD1184
Celestial
Western nations are hopelessly divided, such that at least half of the populace will consider an elected government illegitimate. This will lead to increasing displays of mass civil disobedience, and harsh attempts at suppression by the state, thus perpetuating discontent.
michael59
Celestial
michael59
Celestial
You/we have to really hunt around to find the actual truth. I just spent days trying to keep up with this guy, Tom Marazzo. The last thing I saw on the news about him said that he was arrested and once released said that all he wants to do is go home. He no longer wants to organize or lead protests. Then I found the above video this morning.
Shame on news media.
Shame on news media.
michael59
Celestial
What happened in Chinada yesterday was their Tiananmen Square moment, and will forever be remembered in history…
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She has a broken hip and a dislocated shoulder, along with several cuts and bruises.
The same applies to this 78 year old great grandfather who made the mistake of honking his car horn in solidarity with the freedom movement. Who, by the way, just happens to be an Ottawa citizen. If you listen to the news, they are saying that Ottawa citizens are fed up with the protesters and have been badgering the police to get rid of them.
Police Jones 0192 Arrests Old Man for honking his horn in Ottawa today. February 7, 2022. Judge grants interim injunction against loud honking at Ottawa protest. An Ontario judge has granted a 10-day injunction to prevent protesting truckers in downtown Ottawa from honking their horns incessantly as the national capital's mayor asked for a near doubling of his police force.
michael59
Celestial
See what I mean? The guy is the poster child for projecting.Definition: Unconsciously taking unwanted emotions or traits you don't like about yourself and attributing them to someone else.
nivek
As Above So Below
Outrage as Canadian single mom on minimum wage has bank account frozen for donating $50 to Freedom Convoy: Trudeau is blasted for draconian law that 'would never have been imposed on BLM'
A Canadian MP says the bank account of a single mom with a minimum wage job has been frozen after she donated $50 to Freedom Convoy. Canadian banks have been freezing the accounts and canceling credit cards of people linked to the trucker protests in accordance with the Emergencies Act, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked last week in an attempt to clear the demonstrators from Ottawa. He has been blasted for the move, seen as draconian and an affront to the right to protest, with a parliamentary vote on whether Trudeau did the right thing set to take place in the coming days. A single mother named only as Briane is one of those people, according to Canadian MP Mark Stahl, as concerns grow that scores of ordinary people will no longer be able to pay for food and basics if their accounts have been frozen just for making a donation. He tweeted her story Sunday, shining a light on how her livelihood is being affected by Trudeau's orders. 'Briane is a single mom from Chilliwack working a minimum wage job. She gave $50 to the convoy when it was 100% legal. She hasn't participated in any other way. Her bank account has now been frozen. This is who Justin Trudeau is actually targeting with his Emergencies Act orders.
.
A Canadian MP says the bank account of a single mom with a minimum wage job has been frozen after she donated $50 to Freedom Convoy. Canadian banks have been freezing the accounts and canceling credit cards of people linked to the trucker protests in accordance with the Emergencies Act, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked last week in an attempt to clear the demonstrators from Ottawa. He has been blasted for the move, seen as draconian and an affront to the right to protest, with a parliamentary vote on whether Trudeau did the right thing set to take place in the coming days. A single mother named only as Briane is one of those people, according to Canadian MP Mark Stahl, as concerns grow that scores of ordinary people will no longer be able to pay for food and basics if their accounts have been frozen just for making a donation. He tweeted her story Sunday, shining a light on how her livelihood is being affected by Trudeau's orders. 'Briane is a single mom from Chilliwack working a minimum wage job. She gave $50 to the convoy when it was 100% legal. She hasn't participated in any other way. Her bank account has now been frozen. This is who Justin Trudeau is actually targeting with his Emergencies Act orders.
.
Standingstones
Celestial
Can anyone say ‘fascism?’
nivek
As Above So Below
That's the problem with socialist democracies, when they extent that socialist style ruling part to get their way over the people whom elected them...The US is quickly moving to this degree of authoritarian rule as long as the radical left is in control of the legislative and executive branches and the reason why they wish to pack the supreme court with far leftist radicals...As @AD1184 pointed out, western nations are quickly becoming ungovernable and this is what power hungry dictators want, imbalances and divisions to further extent their grip on power while the citizens are distracted...
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