Governments may increase their espionage efforts in China in response to weakening transparency from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership, according to an Australian defence expert. Michael Shoebridge, director at Strategic Analysis Australia, made the comments as attention focuses on the CCP’s espionage interference overseas. “As Xi Jinping closes China to foreign journalists and academics and makes it harder for foreign businesses to operate there, there will be an increasing drive by other countries’ government agencies to get sources inside Chinese institutions and organisations,” he wrote in an email to The Epoch Times on Sept. 12. “Unlike Beijing’s efforts overseas, that is far less likely to involve trying to interfere in politics and decision making in China and be much more focused on gaining information and insights about the opaque workings of the CCP and those around Xi.”...Read more https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/governments-may-plant-more-spies-within-the-ccp-defence-expert-5490003
For the second consecutive year, the value of Australian agricultural exports has reached a historic high of $80 billion, with winter crops playing a pivotal role in driving an impressive 20 percent growth in the market. In the 2022-23 financial year, broadacre crop exports, valued at $31 billion, accounted for over one-third of Australia’s total exports. The cotton industry also witnessed a remarkable surge, doubling its export earnings to $4.9 billion, a notable increase of $2.7 billion from the previous year. Despite ongoing trade sanctions affecting specific Australian commodities, China continues to maintain its position as the primary export destination for Australian agricultural products. It accounts for roughly 20 percent of Australia’s agricultural exports and remains the top growth market in terms of dollar value for the second consecutive year....
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is believed to have crossed in Russia on his armored private train, South Korea’s defense ministry said on Tuesday, amid warnings from Washington against North Korea engaging in an arms deal with Russia. The Kremlin said on Monday that Mr. Kim was visiting Russia “at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin,” without specifying the timing and exact purpose of his visit. According to North Korean state media, the North Korean leader headed to Russia along with leading officials of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, government, and armed forces. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there would be negotiations involving two delegations, and if needed, the leaders would engage in a “one-on-one format.”...
Commentary China’s communist dictatorship employing “moles” should not surprise anyone. Its interactions on the world stage show it will employ any methodology to attain its ever-growing belligerent demands. From bullying to bribing to spying, the dictatorship displays its lack of a moral compass in pursuing its aims. However, what has surprised the world community and shaken Westminster in London to its core is that the dictatorship’s alleged mole was able to penetrate as far as the office of now-Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and the Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Alicia Kearns. The revelations in the United Kingdom have rightly led to questions being asked about the security and vetting protections employed in Australia for similar parliamentary offices....