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Newly inaugurated Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has sparked a verbal clash with China, escalating tensions in one of the world’s most contentious regions. As the world fears a direct conflict involving the United States and its allies against China, President Lai’s strong stance against Beijing’s ambitions has intensified the situation.

Retired Admiral Philip Davidson, former US Indo-Pacific Commander, warned that China’s intentions towards Taiwan could manifest within this decade, threatening the global order. Beijing aims to challenge US leadership in the international arena, moving its goal closer from 2050.

The US strategy of “strategic ambiguity” has previously kept Taiwan Strait tensions in check. However, this approach now faces scrutiny as regional dynamics shift.

President Lai’s inaugural address emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and defiance against external pressures. He pledged to transform Taiwan amid rising tensions with China and to maintain peace and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Despite political challenges within Taiwan’s legislature, President Lai remains focused on democratic principles, national interests, and international collaboration. His administration aims to bolster Taiwan’s role as a beacon of democracy and global prosperity.

By BEN PACKHAM – Australian

FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE CORRESPONDENT

• 8:55PM MAY 21, 2024

ED: Summery of the article in the Australian by Ben Packham. Photo: Private Richard Leslie Norden credit Australian

Defence Minister Richard Marles has been criticised for delaying a decision on awarding a Victoria Cross (VC) to Vietnam War hero Private Richard Leslie Norden, with some accusing him of using the delay for political purposes. The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal recommended in July 2022 that Norden receive the VC for his valour during the 1968 Battle of Fire Support Base Coral. Despite this, Marles has not acted on the recommendation for nearly two years, missing a significant opportunity to award the honour during the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in Vietnam.

Veterans and advocates believe this delay is linked to the controversial issue of stripping medals from commanders implicated in war crimes identified in the Brereton Report on Afghanistan. They suggest Marles might be holding back the VC award to use it as a positive distraction when announcing the revocation of other military honours, which is expected to be highly contentious.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel George Hulse, who fought alongside Norden, expressed concerns that the VC decision is being manipulated to soften the backlash from removing medals. He and other veterans have approached Marles and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh multiple times for an update but have received no response. Alan “Jack” Parr, another veteran of the battle, also believes the delay is politically motivated and connected to the Brereton Report.

Private Norden, posthumously recommended for the VC, demonstrated extraordinary bravery in May 1968. His citation details how he repeatedly risked his life under heavy enemy fire to save a wounded comrade and retrieve another’s body, killing multiple North Vietnamese soldiers in the process. Despite this heroism, he only received the Distinguished Conduct Medal at the time.

The delay in awarding Norden the VC has caused frustration among the veteran community, with many unable to understand why the decision is stalled. Vietnam Veterans’ Association President Max Ball criticized the government for the hold-up, stressing that the Tribunal’s recommendations should not be influenced by other considerations. Norden’s family, particularly his brother Roger, remains hopeful but has been kept in the dark regarding the progress of the recommendation.

The situation is reminiscent of the posthumous VC awarded to naval seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean in 2020, which was initially rejected by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds but later approved by then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Marles has also pledged to hold Australian Defence Force commanders accountable for war crimes committed in Afghanistan, indicating that decisions on these matters are under careful review.

The controversy highlights a broader issue of political manoeuvring within the military honours system, where decisions on recognizing valour are perceived to be influenced by broader political considerations rather than solely based on merit. Critics argue that such delays and political entanglements undermine the integrity of military awards and erode trust among veterans and their families.

In conclusion, the delay in awarding Private Richard Norden the Victoria Cross has been met with significant backlash from the veteran community and raises concerns about the politicisation of military honours. The intertwining of this decision with the sensitive issue of addressing war crimes in Afghanistan adds a layer of complexity and suspicion regarding the motives behind the delay.

Take an exclusive look at Europe’s cutting-edge nuclear reactor on Olkiluoto Island. Nick Cater explores the clean, reliable energy in Finland provided by nuclear power and the environmental benefits it offers.

Page 97 of the budget kept me awake at night, and is a stain on Morrison’s legacy

Shane Wright  – May 20, 2024 – Brisbane Times

brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/page-97-of-the-budget-kept-me-awake-at-night-and-is-a-stain-on-morrison-s-legacy-20240520-p5jexd.html

There are tens of thousands of pages to the federal budget. But a single paragraph on page 97, which could easily have been missed, demands to be read and understood by all Australians.

It shows a decision by the Albanese government to fix a situation left by its predecessors that is beyond comprehension, and a stain on the Morrison government’s legacy.

Summary of the article – By Ray Payne – May 21, 2024

The article by Shane Wright offers a critical examination of how the Morrison government handled veterans’ affairs, shedding light on significant systemic failures that left many veterans without timely support. Wright’s commentary reveals a $6.5 billion funding increase for veterans over the next five years, largely due to improved claims processing resulting from increased staffing. This allocation, while a necessary corrective measure, also highlights the deficiencies of the previous administration.

Wright traces the roots of these issues back to 2018 when then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison acknowledged the struggles faced by veterans but failed to effectively address the processing of their entitlement claims. By 2023, the backlog was staggering, with nearly half of the claims unprocessed and an average wait time of 435 days. The term “delay, deny, die,” used within the veterans’ community, encapsulates the tragic reality of the system’s inefficiency.

The situation reached a critical point in March 2022 when Andrew Gee, the Veterans’ Affairs Minister at the time, threatened to resign unless additional funds were allocated to clear the backlog of 60,000 unallocated cases. Despite some staffing increases, the problem persisted, revealing the deeper issues within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The incoming Labor government, recognizing the severity of the situation, took swift action. They consulted with previous veterans’ affairs ministers to understand the historical context and implemented substantial staffing increases to address the backlog. This proactive approach has led to significant improvements, with the backlog reduced to 2,569 cases and the average processing time decreased by 62 days.

Wright underscores the inefficiencies created by the previous government’s reliance on labour hire companies and short-term contracts, which led to high turnover and inadequate training of staff. The switch back to permanent public service employees has markedly improved the department’s efficiency.

The article also critiques Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s comments about the increase in public servants, pointing out the necessity of these roles in supporting veterans. The narrative Wright presents is not just a critique of past failures but also a recognition of the efforts made by the current government to rectify these issues without politicizing the matter.

In summary, Wright’s article is a poignant commentary on the bureaucratic and political mishandling of veterans’ affairs in Australia. It highlights the significant progress made by the current government while serving as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by veterans and the need for continued support and reform.

The Royal Australian Navy’s longest-serving commissioned vessel, HMAS Anzac (III), has been officially farewelled during a decommissioning ceremony over the weekend.

Launched in September 1994 and commissioned in May 1996, HMAS Anzac was the lead ship of the Anzac Class frigates. On May 18, representatives attended the decommissioning ceremony at the ship’s home port, HMAS Stirling in Perth. This marks the end of service for the third Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the storied name of Anzac.

“HMAS Anzac’s motto is ‘united we stand’ and I am very proud to say that the personnel and veterans who have served on board have stood united to protect Australia’s maritime interests within the region,” stated Chief of Navy Australia Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO. “Thousands of men and women have called this ship home since it was commissioned in 1996, and for some, HMAS Anzac represents key milestones in their lives.”

Throughout its service, HMAS Anzac was granted freedom of entry to the City of Albany, Western Australia, the departure port for the original Anzac contingent, and maintained a close association with the City of Rockingham. The ship participated in numerous deployments and operations, most notably during its deployment to the Gulf region in October 2002. During this mission, it was part of “Five Inch Friday,” marking the first time the Royal Australian Navy engaged in combat naval gunfire support since the Vietnam War.

The decommissioning of HMAS Anzac will facilitate long-term investment in expanding and enhancing the Navy’s fleet. This decision aligns with the recommendations from the Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet, as outlined by the Department of Defence.

Ever wondered what goes down when a Chinese spy ship gets too close to a US aircraft carrier? When an unknown ship pops up on the radar of an American aircraft carrier, the crew swiftly jumps into action. But what exactly is a spy ship? These vessels are equipped with all sorts of gear to eavesdrop on communications, track movements, and gather information about other ships. Their first move? Trying to figure out who’s approaching by using binoculars and trying to make contact. Meanwhile, the captain gets the heads-up, and it’s all hands on deck for assessing the situation. As the spy ship gets dangerously close, the crew springs into action with a bunch of tricks to keep the carrier and its crew safe. They set up barriers and start using electronic warfare tactics to mess with the spy ship’s surveillance and communication gear while keeping their own gear in check.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBcbzckDJKk

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the lead ship of the Ford class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers operated by the United States Navy. One of the most notable features of the USS Gerald R. Ford is its advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear (AAG), which replace the traditional steam catapults and arresting wires used on older carriers.

Regarding the elevators specifically, here are some details:

Number and Layout: The USS Gerald R. Ford has a total of 11 electromagnetically-powered aircraft elevators. These elevators are strategically located throughout the ship to facilitate the movement of aircraft between the flight deck and the hangar bays below.

Electromagnetic Propulsion: Unlike the hydraulic elevators used on older aircraft carriers, the elevators on the USS Gerald R. Ford are propelled by electromagnetic motors. This allows for smoother and more precise movement of aircraft, as well as faster turnaround times during flight operations.

Increased Capacity and Efficiency: The electromagnetic aircraft elevators on the USS Gerald R. Ford are designed to handle a wider range of aircraft types and configurations, including larger and heavier aircraft. They are also capable of moving multiple aircraft simultaneously, improving overall efficiency and throughput during launch and recovery operations.

Advanced Control Systems: The elevators are equipped with advanced control systems that provide real-time monitoring and diagnostics, ensuring safe and reliable operation at all times. These systems also allow for remote control and automation of elevator movements, reducing the workload on carrier personnel.

Maintenance and Reliability: The electromagnetic elevator system is expected to require less maintenance compared to traditional hydraulic systems, leading to reduced downtime and increased reliability. This contributes to the overall operational readiness of the USS Gerald R. Ford and enhances its capability to support sustained naval aviation operations.

Proposed Moah Creek wind farm will destroy over 600ha of some of the best remnant forests near Rockhampton. The proponents are Energy Estate, RES and CleanCo. The project will smash 76km of new haulage roads up into the high ridge lines and escarpments and will cause damage to over 3,000ha of classified ‘remnant’ vegetation from ‘edge effects’. When this project is combined with the other 27 wind projects in the area covering all the high elevation ridge lines then the cumulative effects are highly considerable. Scientists are now claiming that wind farms in Queensland can now be classified as a key threatening process for vulnerable and endangered wildlife and ecosystems.

ED: Summary of a speech by Andrew Hastie at Defence Connect Budget Summit.

Australian shadow minister for defence and former SAS officer Andrew Hastie has urged for an acceleration of Defence spending to 2026 and a bolstering of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to ensure it can “tear the arm off any adversary.”

Speaking at the annual Defence Connect Budget Summit, Hastie engaged with defence industry representatives to discuss the opposition’s response to the recent federal budget, following remarks from Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy.

During his address, Hastie presented a hypothetical scenario where the People’s Republic of China deploys a missile threat within the Indo-Pacific Island chain. He questioned Australia’s preparedness and capability to effectively respond to such a threat.

Hastie called on the federal government to clarify its stance on the threat posed by the People’s Republic of China and outlined the opposition’s key priorities should they return to power under Peter Dutton’s leadership. He criticized the current national defence strategy, stating, “The national defence strategy is a failure… the (Albanese) government has neither articulated the threats Australia faces nor adapted to the world of today.”

Hastie emphasized the need to advance Defence spending to 2026, warning that delaying spending until the next decade would leave Australia vulnerable. “We will be weaker before we get stronger, this is dangerous because weakness is provocative,” he said.

He outlined several priorities, including fixing recruitment through service incentives, accelerating investment to 2026, strengthening military relationships, and enhancing sovereign capability. “The ADF should be able to tear the arm off an adversary,” Hastie asserted, referencing the epic tale of Beowulf.

Additionally, Hastie described an “axis of authoritarian states” including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which he said are aligned against and seeking to disrupt the US-led alliance.