China warns Australia: 'Be careful' of Japan

13 Sept 11:01 Key points summarised by AI

China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, cautioned Australia against trusting Japan, citing Japan's WWII war crimes against Australia, including bombing Darwin and killing Australian POWs.
This warning follows Australia's new security pact with Japan, a move China views as an attempt to limit its influence in the Pacific region.
The diplomatic exchange occurs as Australia seeks to repair its relationship with China, which had soured due to trade disputes and Australian calls for a COVID-19 origins investigation.

Fresh clashes rock France as protesters march on

Today 15:08 Key points summarised by AI

Widespread clashes erupted across France as protesters marched against the cost of living, prompting a firm security backlash from President Macron's government.
Authorities deployed 70,000 security personnel, leading to nearly 1,000 arrests and two serious injuries amid an "extremely elevated level of violence" from "ultra-left" extremists.
Despite government claims of a more "positive" outcome than the previous week, riot police fired tear gas in multiple cities, sparking widespread anger over perceived assaults on the right to protest.
The unrest, which included clashes between far-right and "ultra-left" militants, highlights a febrile political atmosphere six months before presidential elections.