Congress seeks Morrison's advice on China. Just don't mention tariffs
'Is the current tariffs policy that we are seeing from the Trump administration, quite frankly, playing into China's hands?' Democrat representative Jill Tokuda asked former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison.
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The Advertiser
17 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Thailand-Cambodia truce holds as villagers return home
A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appears to be holding as tensions linger despite a truce agreement to end deadly border clashes following economic pressure from the United States. The ceasefire that was reached in Malaysia on Monday was supposed to take effect at midnight, but was quickly tested. The Thai army accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas early on Tuesday but Cambodia said there was no firing in any location. The Thai army later said fighting has stopped after military commanders along the border from both sides met. They agreed to halt troop movements, avoid escalation and establish co-ordination teams before a joint border committee meeting in Cambodia on August 4, army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree said. Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha said he spoke to his Thai counterpart about "incidents" that occurred during the implementation of the ceasefire but stressed the Cambodian army abided by the truce. He said Cambodian defence officials would lead a delegation of diplomats, foreign military attaches and others to observe the situation. The Thai government separately said it has lodged complaints to Malaysia, the US and China about Cambodia's alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement. Along the border, there were signs of calm with some of the more than 260,000 people displaced by the fighting returning to their homes. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had agreed on Monday to an "unconditional" halt in fighting that have killed at least 41 people. The meeting was hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as annual chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He called the ceasefire a "vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security". Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US applauded the ceasefire declaration. "President (Donald) Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict," Rubio said in a statement. Hun Manet said on Tuesday that Trump had called to offer congratulations for the peace move. He posted on social media that Trump pledged the US would join the monitoring process along with Malaysia to ensure the ceasefire is implemented. Trump also called Phumtham after his return to Bangkok. Phumtham said Trump told him that Thailand's talks with Washington to negotiate tariff levels on Thai exports could now proceed and he would seek to make them as favourable as possible. The ceasefire comes days before the US is expected to announce new trade tariff decisions. Cambodia and Thailand have both been two of the hardest-hit countries as a result of Trump's trade war, with 36 per cent tariff on goods from both countries taking effect this coming Friday. Trump had warned the US might not proceed with trade deals with either country if hostilities continued, giving both sides a face-saving justification for halting the clashes. Cambodia and Thailand have clashed in the past over their 800km border. The fighting began on Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics. Residents on both sides of the border expressed relief about the ceasefire but remained wary, unsure how long the peace would last. A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appears to be holding as tensions linger despite a truce agreement to end deadly border clashes following economic pressure from the United States. The ceasefire that was reached in Malaysia on Monday was supposed to take effect at midnight, but was quickly tested. The Thai army accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas early on Tuesday but Cambodia said there was no firing in any location. The Thai army later said fighting has stopped after military commanders along the border from both sides met. They agreed to halt troop movements, avoid escalation and establish co-ordination teams before a joint border committee meeting in Cambodia on August 4, army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree said. Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha said he spoke to his Thai counterpart about "incidents" that occurred during the implementation of the ceasefire but stressed the Cambodian army abided by the truce. He said Cambodian defence officials would lead a delegation of diplomats, foreign military attaches and others to observe the situation. The Thai government separately said it has lodged complaints to Malaysia, the US and China about Cambodia's alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement. Along the border, there were signs of calm with some of the more than 260,000 people displaced by the fighting returning to their homes. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had agreed on Monday to an "unconditional" halt in fighting that have killed at least 41 people. The meeting was hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as annual chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He called the ceasefire a "vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security". Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US applauded the ceasefire declaration. "President (Donald) Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict," Rubio said in a statement. Hun Manet said on Tuesday that Trump had called to offer congratulations for the peace move. He posted on social media that Trump pledged the US would join the monitoring process along with Malaysia to ensure the ceasefire is implemented. Trump also called Phumtham after his return to Bangkok. Phumtham said Trump told him that Thailand's talks with Washington to negotiate tariff levels on Thai exports could now proceed and he would seek to make them as favourable as possible. The ceasefire comes days before the US is expected to announce new trade tariff decisions. Cambodia and Thailand have both been two of the hardest-hit countries as a result of Trump's trade war, with 36 per cent tariff on goods from both countries taking effect this coming Friday. Trump had warned the US might not proceed with trade deals with either country if hostilities continued, giving both sides a face-saving justification for halting the clashes. Cambodia and Thailand have clashed in the past over their 800km border. The fighting began on Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics. Residents on both sides of the border expressed relief about the ceasefire but remained wary, unsure how long the peace would last. A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appears to be holding as tensions linger despite a truce agreement to end deadly border clashes following economic pressure from the United States. The ceasefire that was reached in Malaysia on Monday was supposed to take effect at midnight, but was quickly tested. The Thai army accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas early on Tuesday but Cambodia said there was no firing in any location. The Thai army later said fighting has stopped after military commanders along the border from both sides met. They agreed to halt troop movements, avoid escalation and establish co-ordination teams before a joint border committee meeting in Cambodia on August 4, army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree said. Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha said he spoke to his Thai counterpart about "incidents" that occurred during the implementation of the ceasefire but stressed the Cambodian army abided by the truce. He said Cambodian defence officials would lead a delegation of diplomats, foreign military attaches and others to observe the situation. The Thai government separately said it has lodged complaints to Malaysia, the US and China about Cambodia's alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement. Along the border, there were signs of calm with some of the more than 260,000 people displaced by the fighting returning to their homes. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had agreed on Monday to an "unconditional" halt in fighting that have killed at least 41 people. The meeting was hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as annual chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He called the ceasefire a "vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security". Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US applauded the ceasefire declaration. "President (Donald) Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict," Rubio said in a statement. Hun Manet said on Tuesday that Trump had called to offer congratulations for the peace move. He posted on social media that Trump pledged the US would join the monitoring process along with Malaysia to ensure the ceasefire is implemented. Trump also called Phumtham after his return to Bangkok. Phumtham said Trump told him that Thailand's talks with Washington to negotiate tariff levels on Thai exports could now proceed and he would seek to make them as favourable as possible. The ceasefire comes days before the US is expected to announce new trade tariff decisions. Cambodia and Thailand have both been two of the hardest-hit countries as a result of Trump's trade war, with 36 per cent tariff on goods from both countries taking effect this coming Friday. Trump had warned the US might not proceed with trade deals with either country if hostilities continued, giving both sides a face-saving justification for halting the clashes. Cambodia and Thailand have clashed in the past over their 800km border. The fighting began on Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics. Residents on both sides of the border expressed relief about the ceasefire but remained wary, unsure how long the peace would last. A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appears to be holding as tensions linger despite a truce agreement to end deadly border clashes following economic pressure from the United States. The ceasefire that was reached in Malaysia on Monday was supposed to take effect at midnight, but was quickly tested. The Thai army accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas early on Tuesday but Cambodia said there was no firing in any location. The Thai army later said fighting has stopped after military commanders along the border from both sides met. They agreed to halt troop movements, avoid escalation and establish co-ordination teams before a joint border committee meeting in Cambodia on August 4, army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree said. Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha said he spoke to his Thai counterpart about "incidents" that occurred during the implementation of the ceasefire but stressed the Cambodian army abided by the truce. He said Cambodian defence officials would lead a delegation of diplomats, foreign military attaches and others to observe the situation. The Thai government separately said it has lodged complaints to Malaysia, the US and China about Cambodia's alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement. Along the border, there were signs of calm with some of the more than 260,000 people displaced by the fighting returning to their homes. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had agreed on Monday to an "unconditional" halt in fighting that have killed at least 41 people. The meeting was hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as annual chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He called the ceasefire a "vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security". Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US applauded the ceasefire declaration. "President (Donald) Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict," Rubio said in a statement. Hun Manet said on Tuesday that Trump had called to offer congratulations for the peace move. He posted on social media that Trump pledged the US would join the monitoring process along with Malaysia to ensure the ceasefire is implemented. Trump also called Phumtham after his return to Bangkok. Phumtham said Trump told him that Thailand's talks with Washington to negotiate tariff levels on Thai exports could now proceed and he would seek to make them as favourable as possible. The ceasefire comes days before the US is expected to announce new trade tariff decisions. Cambodia and Thailand have both been two of the hardest-hit countries as a result of Trump's trade war, with 36 per cent tariff on goods from both countries taking effect this coming Friday. Trump had warned the US might not proceed with trade deals with either country if hostilities continued, giving both sides a face-saving justification for halting the clashes. Cambodia and Thailand have clashed in the past over their 800km border. The fighting began on Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics. Residents on both sides of the border expressed relief about the ceasefire but remained wary, unsure how long the peace would last.
The Age
an hour ago
- The Age
A ‘true visionary': Renowned jeweller Michael Hill dies at age 86
Sir Michael Hill, the founder of one of the most prominent jewellery brands in Australia, has died at the age of 86. The Michael Hill company's board and executives announced the jeweller's death on Tuesday. 'Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist and committed father and husband who, with his wife Lady Christine, founded and grew Michael Hill from its humble beginnings in Whangarei, New Zealand to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand and Canada,' the statement read. Hill and his wife founded the jewellery brand in 1979, opening his first store in New Zealand. Since then, Michael Hill has grown into a cross-country enterprise, with 287 stores spanning New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The first Australian stores opened in 1980. Chairman of the company Rob Fyfe said Hill built a legacy that will continue to inspire. 'To every endeavour he pursued, Michael brought a deep sense of purpose, an enduring curiosity, open-mindedness and creativity that challenged all of us to embrace ever more lofty goals and be unconstrained in our thinking,' he said. Australian model Miranda Kerr, who became Michael Hill's first brand ambassador in April last year, called him a 'true visionary whose passion and creativity helped shape a brand that has brought joy to so many around the world'. 'I feel incredibly honoured to be part of the brand he built with integrity, passion and heart,' she said. 'My love and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire Michael Hill team.'
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
St George study sample pioneers Brazil magnet rare earths supply
St George Mining has achieved a significant milestone by delivering Brazil's first bulk rare earths sample to a Government backed project tasked with commercialising Brazil's sizeable rare earths endowment to create a magnet manufacturing facility. The MagBras project is a public-private initiative based in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The 30kg rare earths oxalate sample, derived from the company's 100%-owned Araxá project, marks St George as a frontrunner in Brazil's emerging rare earths supply chain. The Araxá project has a serious mineral resource estimate of 40.64 million tonnes (Mt) at a sizeable grade of 4.13 per cent total rare earths oxide. Notably it also has another resource dimension, with 41.20Mt at 0.68 per cent niobium pentoxide, making it potentially a world-class asset ideally positioned to meet growing global demand for both commodities. The MagBras project, supported by the National Service of Industrial Learning (SENAI) and the Minas Gerais Research Development Foundation (Fundep), aims to industrialise Brazil's vast rare earths endowment - the world's third largest – to reduce the nation's reliance on imported high performance magnets. Managed by the Federation of Industries of Minas Gerais (FIEMG), MagBras collaborates with rare earths developers such as St George and end-users, including automakers Stellantis and Iveco, to build an integrated magnet supply chain. St George's memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MagBras - signed last October - facilitates cooperation on research, development and potential supply of high-grade rare earths from Araxá for high-performance magnet production. The company is also exploring downstream partnerships in the US, where interest in Brazil's niobium and rare earths is surging. The US Government, under the Trump Administration, is pursuing a trade deal to secure Brazil as a key supplier of critical metals, driven by efforts to establish non-Chinese supply chains. St George says recent US Department of Defence support for American rare earths miner MP Materials by paying US$110/kg for combined neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) highlights a shift toward pricing that fosters industry growth. Prineas says the company is seeing strong support in Brazil from government and industries to build a domestic supply chain for rare earths . St George's Araxá project is strategically located a stone's throw north of the massive niobium mine operated by Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM). The two projects occupy the same Barreiro carbonatite complex, a geological formation known for hosting significant niobium and rare earths mineralisation. CBMM's operation primarily extracts niobium from pyrochlore, with rare earths present as secondary commodities alongside barium and thorium. The company supplies about 80 per cent of the global niobium market. That proximity potentially provides St George with access to established infrastructure and a skilled workforce, enhancing its overall development potential. St George is advancing its Araxá project with an extensive drilling program, including over 9000 metres of diamond drilling to infill and expand its known resources and associated mineralisation. Mineralisation currently remains open in all directions and the infill drilling aims to increase confidence in the resources and elevate existing inferred resources to indicated status. The project's high-grade mineralisation, which shows up to 8 per cent niobium pentoxide and 33 per cent TREO, underscores its potential as a global supplier. The company is keeping five drill rigs busy and expects its first assay results shortly. Meanwhile, ongoing metallurgical studies aim to optimise the flowsheet for rare earths production. Its collaboration with SENAI and FIEMG positions Araxá to contribute significantly to both local and global markets, particularly as geopolitical shifts drive demand for reliable, non-Chinese rare earths and niobium sources. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
