Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Tim Ayres tight-lipped over China trade threat as steel dumping allegation probed

    Tim Ayres tight-lipped over China trade threat as steel dumping allegation probed

    The Australian government is navigating mounting pressure from its domestic steel industry to implement protective trade measures, while carefully managing the delicate prospect of a renewed trade confrontation with China. Industry Minister Tim Ayres has maintained a reserved public stance regarding potential tariffs and quotas on steel imports, despite urgent calls from manufacturers for intervention.

    The Albanese administration has initiated a formal investigation through the Productivity Commission to examine allegations of steel dumping practices. This probe follows November submissions from the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) requesting temporary emergency ‘safeguard’ provisions under World Trade Organisation regulations. The industry body cited a significant surge in low-priced steel imports that has reportedly forced over a dozen fabrication businesses in western Sydney to cease operations within the past eighteen months.

    According to reports, the proposed measures would establish an import quota of 400,000-450,000 tonnes for fabricated steel, with a substantial 50 percent tariff triggered once this threshold is reached. Minister Ayres emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing while distinguishing between general tariff regimes and specific anti-dumping mechanisms.

    In media appearances, Senator Ayres characterized last year’s tariff announcements by the US administration as ‘an unwelcome development,’ while affirming Australia’s intention to maintain a fit-for-purpose anti-dumping system. He acknowledged exercising particular caution regarding specific policy details due to the ongoing investigation, which is expected to continue for several weeks or months.

    The situation develops against a complex backdrop of international trade dynamics, including China’s recent invocation of WTO rules to implement country-specific tariffs and quotas on beef imports, including those from Australia. Ultimately, the decision to implement any safeguard measures would rest with Treasurer Jim Chalmers, following the Productivity Commission’s findings.

  • Villa seal place in Europa League last 16 as Forest beaten

    Villa seal place in Europa League last 16 as Forest beaten

    Aston Villa secured direct qualification for the Europa League’s round of sixteen with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Turkish giants Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday. The decisive moment arrived in the first half when on-loan Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho powerfully headed home, marking his inaugural goal for the club and cementing Villa’s dominant European campaign under manager Unai Emery.

    The English side demonstrated resilience throughout the match, with defender Matty Cash striking the post in the second period. Villa’s defense, however, faced intense pressure as Fenerbahce relentlessly pursued an equalizer, forcing goalkeeper Marco Bizot into a series of crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet and the vital three points.

    In parallel action, the night proved disastrous for fellow English club Nottingham Forest. A ‘minute of madness’ during their encounter with Portugal’s Braga resulted in a costly 1-0 defeat. The pivotal sequence saw Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty saved, immediately followed by a calamitous own goal from captain Ryan Yates. Their frustration culminated in a stoppage-time red card for Elliot Anderson, severely diminishing their chances of automatic qualification and consigning them to the precarious playoff round.

    Scottish fortunes were mixed. Celtic squandered a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Bologna, a result that leaves their qualification hopes dangling by a thread heading into the final matchday. Despite taking an early lead, the game turned on Reo Hatate’s 34th-minute dismissal, allowing the Italian side to mount a successful comeback. Meanwhile, rivals Rangers were eliminated from contention despite securing their first group stage win, a 1-0 result against Ludogorets.

    Elsewhere, French club Lyon joined Villa in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Young Boys, courtesy of a goal from Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Italian powerhouses Roma continued their impressive form with a fourth consecutive victory, defeating Stuttgart 2-0 to position themselves favorably for advancement.

  • Arsenal face Man Utd test as City search for spark

    Arsenal face Man Utd test as City search for spark

    The English Premier League enters a critical weekend with historic rivalries and managerial pressure taking center stage. Arsenal prepares to defend their impregnable Emirates Stadium against a revitalized Manchester United under interim manager Michael Carrick. The Gunners, despite recent goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, maintain their league position as pursuers Manchester City and Aston Villa have similarly stumbled.

    United arrives transformed following Carrick’s impressive debut—a 2-0 victory over Manchester City that showcased unexpected attacking flair. This resurgence presents a fascinating tactical battle against Arsenal’s legendary defense, which hasn’t conceded a single shot on target in their previous two league matches. While Arsenal remains favored for their long-awaited 14th title, United seeks to disrupt their rival’s campaign.

    Meanwhile, Manchester City confronts a deepening crisis following their shocking 3-1 Champions League defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged systemic failures after their winless Premier League start in 2026, exacerbated by defensive injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. New signing Marc Guehi could debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who themselves ride a five-match unbeaten streak despite relegation concerns.

    Tottenham’s Thomas Frank retains precarious employment despite a midweek Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund. Facing bottom-side Burnley, Frank must translate European success into Premier League points following fan discontent and a disappointing 14th-place standing. Failure against another struggling opponent might conclude his tenure.

    The weekend fixtures feature multiple compelling matchups including Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Newcastle against Aston Villa, and the Monday night clash between Everton and Leeds.

  • Australian Open 2026: Maddison Inglis is set to face unknown

    Australian Open 2026: Maddison Inglis is set to face unknown

    An electrifying third-round showdown is set to captivate the Australian Open as local favorite Maddison Inglis prepares to face former champion Naomi Osaka. Both athletes acknowledge the formidable challenge ahead in what marks their first professional encounter on the court.

    Inglis, riding a wave of hometown support, advanced to this stage following a grueling three-set victory against Germany’s Laura Siegemund. Meanwhile, Osaka secured her position with a win over Sorana Cîrstea that featured some tense moments during the match’s conclusion.

    The four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka recognizes the unique dynamic of facing an Australian player at their home tournament, recalling her past encounter with Ash Barty. ‘The crowd is really engaging,’ Osaka commented. ‘It should be super fun. She’s obviously in this third round, so she deserves to be here. She’s going to be a really tough opponent.’

    Inglis, embracing every moment of her Grand Slam breakthrough, is balancing her singles preparation with mixed doubles matches alongside fiancé Jason Kubler. The 28-year-old Western Australian native will face additional challenges from what forecasts predict will be the tournament’s warmest day yet – conditions that might favor her sun-hardened upbringing.

    Despite the obvious disparity in their career achievements, both players approach the match with mutual respect and determination. Inglis reflected on the significance of the moment: ‘You’re not in the third round of a Grand Slam every day. I’ll enjoy tonight and get ready for tomorrow.’

    Adding a lighthearted note to the buildup, Inglis confirmed she won’t be matching Osaka’s notable fashion statements during the tournament, promising instead to maintain her consistent on-court attire for the highly anticipated match.

  • Workers dig for the missing in New Zealand landslide

    Workers dig for the missing in New Zealand landslide

    Emergency crews in New Zealand are engaged in a critical search operation through treacherous terrain after a massive landslide from an extinct volcano engulfed a popular campsite on the North Island. The disaster struck Thursday when a substantial portion of Mount Maunganui collapsed onto the holiday destination following periods of intense rainfall, destroying shower facilities and multiple recreational vehicles.

    Authorities have confirmed that a young child is among those missing, with police indicating the number of unaccounted individuals remains in ‘single figures.’ Initial reports from witnesses and first responders described hearing voices calling for help from beneath the rubble immediately following the collapse, but no further sounds have been detected since the early hours of the disaster.

    Three mechanical excavators have been deployed to clear the extensive mud and debris that completely overwhelmed the campsite. The operation proceeded throughout the night under challenging conditions, with progress deliberately measured due to the unstable environment. At one point during Friday’s efforts, work was temporarily suspended as a police photographer documented the scene and a hearse was observed departing the area.

    Fire and Emergency assistant national commander David Guard characterized the situation as ‘complex and high-risk,’ emphasizing that crews would continue their painstaking layer-by-layer search until completion. Approximately two dozen family members maintained a vigil across from the disaster site, watching as damaged caravans and campervans were extracted from the mud.

    The region, known as a major summer tourist attraction for hikers and beach enthusiasts, has experienced multiple landslide incidents. In a separate event on Thursday, emergency workers recovered two bodies from a home in nearby Tauranga that was struck by another landslide.

    Canadian tourist Dion Siluch, 34, recounted his narrow escape from the catastrophe while receiving a massage at the adjacent Mount Hot Pools complex. ‘The whole room started shaking,’ he described. ‘When I walked out, there was a caravan in the pool, and there’s a mudslide that missed me by about 30 feet.’ Siluch noted he had observed another smaller landslip approximately an hour earlier but hadn’t recognized the imminent danger.

  • Anthony Albanese to deliver letter to Tim Picton’s daughter after alleged one-punch attack

    Anthony Albanese to deliver letter to Tim Picton’s daughter after alleged one-punch attack

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has traveled to Perth to attend the funeral of Tim Picton, a prominent Labor strategist who died following an alleged one-punch assault. The 36-year-old political operative was attacked outside a Northbridge nightclub on December 27 and passed away this Monday surrounded by family members.

    Mr. Picton played instrumental roles in both Western Australia Labor’s 2021 state election campaign, which resulted in a landslide victory, and subsequently in Prime Minister Albanese’s 2022 federal election strategy that heavily focused on Western Australia.

    The Prime Minister revealed he would personally deliver a heartfelt letter to Mr. Picton’s young daughter Charlotte during the funeral service held at Perth’s Optus Stadium. “I have a letter today that I’ll give to Priya, Tim’s wife, for Charlotte so that when she grows up she has what are some of my personal reflections on her dad,” Mr. Albanese stated, adding that “for Tim, Charlotte was the apple of his eye.”

    Western Australian Premier Roger Cook expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, noting that Charlotte would “now be left wondering what happened to her father” while offering condolences to the entire family.

    Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident. The case continues to develop as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Picton’s tragic death.

  • Japan PM Takaichi set to dissolve parliament for snap election

    Japan PM Takaichi set to dissolve parliament for snap election

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has initiated a strategic political maneuver by announcing the dissolution of parliament on Friday, setting the stage for a snap national election scheduled for February 8. The country’s first female leader is banking on her cabinet’s substantial public approval ratings to overcome her ruling party’s declining popularity and secure a stronger governing mandate.

    The decision comes amid mounting economic challenges, with the government facing intense public pressure to address soaring living costs. Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized that the election would seek public endorsement for her administration’s measures to cushion households from inflation spikes and bolster national defense spending. Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), currently maintains a fragile majority in the powerful lower chamber.

    Recent economic indicators reveal a complex financial landscape. December data showed Japan’s core inflation rate moderating to 2.4 percent year-on-year, down from November’s 3 percent, primarily due to government subsidies on utilities. However, this figure remains above the central bank’s 2 percent target, with specific commodities like rice experiencing dramatic price surges—rising over 34 percent in December compared to the previous year.

    The Takaichi administration has responded with ambitious fiscal measures, approving a record ¥122.3 trillion ($770 billion) budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The centerpiece of her economic platform involves a proposed two-year sales tax reduction on food items, a policy that opposition parties have also embraced. Yet this approach has raised concerns about exacerbating Japan’s substantial public debt, which is projected to exceed 230 percent of GDP by 2026.

    Financial markets have reacted nervously to the proposed stimulus, with government bond yields climbing significantly this week amid investor anxiety about fiscal discipline. The Bank of Japan’s upcoming policy announcement is being closely monitored for signals about how monetary authorities will navigate these turbulent economic conditions.

    Politically, the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party has formed a new Centrist Reform Alliance with Komeito, hoping to capitalize on voter discontent. Despite this development, political analysts suggest the opposition faces steep challenges in unseating the long-dominant LDP, particularly given Takaichi’s remarkable 90 percent approval rating among voters under 30, according to recent polling data.

  • How Australian politics descended into ugliness after Bondi shooting

    How Australian politics descended into ugliness after Bondi shooting

    Australia’s political landscape has fractured dramatically as the national day of mourning for the Bondi shooting victims became overshadowed by the collapse of the opposition coalition. The political crisis emerged from deeply divisive debates surrounding gun reform and antisemitism legislation following last month’s antisemitic attack that claimed 15 lives at Bondi Beach.

    The Liberal-National coalition disintegrated on Thursday when the National Party refused to support hate speech laws that opposition leader Sussan Ley had previously demanded from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Nationals leader David Littleproud issued an ultimatum that his party would only consider returning to the coalition if Ley was removed from leadership, throwing the opposition into complete disarray.

    This political implosion contrasts starkly with Australia’s unified response to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, when then-Prime Minister John Howard worked collaboratively with opposition leaders to implement landmark gun control reforms. Political analysts note that contemporary Australian society has become significantly more polarized, with the Bondi tragedy immediately becoming politicized amid existing tensions over Israel-Gaza conflicts and antisemitism debates.

    Prime Minister Albanese faced substantial criticism throughout the crisis, being heckled at memorial events and accused by Jewish communities of insufficient action against antisemitism. His initial resistance to calls for a royal commission into antisemitism ultimately backfired, forcing a reversal that further weakened his position. Meanwhile, opposition leader Ley’s temporary political gains evaporated when she failed to maintain coalition unity on the very legislation she had championed.

    The political fallout has been severe, with Albanese’s approval ratings plummeting to -11 and Ley’s remaining at -28. Veteran political commentator Malcolm Farr noted that the timing of the political crisis during a national day of mourning demonstrated ‘unfortunate timing and shows a certain amount of self-indulgence’ that has reinforced public cynicism toward politicians of all parties.

  • Winter Olympics 2026: Australia has named its 53-strong team for the Milano Cortina Games

    Winter Olympics 2026: Australia has named its 53-strong team for the Milano Cortina Games

    Australia is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, having announced a powerhouse 53-athlete team that officials are calling one of the nation’s strongest winter contingents ever assembled.

    Chef de mission and Olympic gold medalist Alisa Camplin has boldly declared the end of Australia’s ‘sunburnt underdog’ status in winter sports, asserting that this team has earned the right to be considered genuine medal contenders on the world stage. The squad represents Australia’s second-largest Winter Olympics delegation, featuring a notable two-thirds female composition and including five teenage athletes who will make their Olympic debut.

    The team arrives in Italy riding an extraordinary wave of success from the World Cup circuit, having secured an impressive 26 medals during the recent season. This remarkable achievement underscores the dramatic evolution of Australia’s winter sports program since Camplin’s own Olympic appearance in Torino 2006, when the team hoped for perhaps a single medal.

    “The depth of this team is phenomenal,” Camplin stated, expressing visible excitement. “I literally get goosebumps thinking about how the next few weeks have the potential to change their lives. One in five athletes—20 percent of the team—has already medaled on the World Cup circuit.”

    While carefully avoiding specific medal predictions, Camplin emphasized that the Australians are prepared to “mix it with the best in the world” across multiple disciplines. The team builds upon the success of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where Australia achieved a nation-record four medals (one gold, two silver, one bronze).

    Notable team members include five-time Olympian and snowboard half-pipe specialist Scotty James, who continues his pursuit of an elusive gold medal. The squad also features veterans like aerial skier Laura Peel (competing in her fourth Olympics) and emerging talents such as 16-year-old freeskier Indra Brown.

    Despite the overwhelming confidence, Camplin added a note of caution regarding the competitive nature of the Games, acknowledging that “it’s not going to be easy” while affirming the team’s commitment to “giving it a red-hot shot.”

    The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics commence on February 6, with Australian athletes competing across multiple disciplines including aerials, moguls, snowboard, skeleton, and the newly added ski mountaineering event.

  • US negotiators meet Putin for high-stakes Ukraine talks

    US negotiators meet Putin for high-stakes Ukraine talks

    In a significant diplomatic development, high-level US envoys convened with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow Thursday evening to advance discussions on a Washington-proposed framework to conclude the Ukraine conflict. This high-stakes dialogue, occurring simultaneously with Kyiv’s announcement of solidified security guarantees from the United States, represents the most substantial peace negotiation efforts since Russia’s February 2022 invasion.

    The American delegation featured prominent figures including Steve Witkoff (marking his seventh documented meeting with Putin according to Russian media), former Presidential advisor Jared Kushner, and White House representative Josh Gruenbaum. Kremlin footage depicted a cordial reception with handshakes and smiles, though the underlying tensions remained palpable. Russian representation included lead negotiator Kirill Dmitriev and senior Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

    These negotiations unfold against a backdrop of severely escalated military actions, with recent Russian strikes crippling Kyiv’s energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without electricity and heat during freezing temperatures. Moscow maintains these target Ukraine’s military-industrial capabilities, while Kyiv condemns them as blatant war crimes targeting civilians.

    Simultaneously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed from the World Economic Forum in Davos that security guarantee agreements with Washington were ‘nearly ready,’ with additional commitments reportedly secured from the United Kingdom and France. Despite these parallel developments, fundamental disagreements persist regarding territorial sovereignty, particularly Russia’s occupation of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory and its demands for complete control of the Donbas region.

    Following the Moscow session, the US negotiating team departed immediately for Abu Dhabi to continue discussions within military working groups, though specific participants and agendas for these UAE talks remain undisclosed. President Trump reiterated his conviction that both leaders could reach agreement, while Zelensky delivered sharp criticism of European fragmentation and overreliance on US security protection, highlighting complex transatlantic tensions surrounding the conflict.