Stephen Dziedzic

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Stephen Dziedzic

New Zealand is not exactly known as a major military power. For decades the country has relied on its geographical isolation and the reassuring presence of the Australian Defence Force on its western flank, rather than building up its own forces. But as the world becomes more perilous and uncertain, all that is changing rapidly.

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Stephen Dziedzic |Lucy Cooper

Nationals leader David Littleproud says if the Coalition wins office it will urge Pacific nations to take a "more aggressive stance" towards China's climate policies, suggesting they don't "understand" how much leverage they have with Beijing. Labor has taken aim at the Coalition's record in the Pacific, and has warned that its climate policies will sabotage Australia's strategic position in the region in the face of relentless pressure from Beijing.

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Stephen Dziedzic

The federal government is worried sweeping tariffs could spark economic turmoil in the region and globally, and the impact this could have on Australia.

3 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Stephen Dziedzic |Johnson Raela

By Stephen Dziedzic and Johnson Raela, ABCCook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says he will only re-work constitutional ties with New Zealand if the new agreement makes it clear his country is now "more independent" - risking a fresh brawl with Wellington. Brown has been caught up in a bitter dispute with New Zealand over contentious agreements he's signed with China, as well as his push to introduce a passport for Cook Islands.

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Jane Norman |Stephen Dziedzic

The Albanese government is preparing to take the United States to the World Trade Organization if Australia is swept up in Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. Ahead of tomorrow's announcement, the Trump administration has expanded its list of grievances against Australia suggesting the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the news media bargaining code and biosecurity rules amount to non-tariff trade barriers for American companies.