Stephen Dziedzic

The Australian government is seeking answers after universities were sent a questionnaire the tertiary education union is calling "blatant political interference".

In an exclusive interview, and the first time a Solomon Islands leader has sat down with the ABC in almost six years, new prime minister Jeremiah Manele says 'differences' remain over a new policing agreement with Australia.

The spectacular theatre of the Trump-Zelenskyy confrontation is yet another reminder of the way Trump has up-ended most of the comfortable assumptions which have buttressed Australia's security for decades.

Experts say it's likely the drone was collecting information for the Chinese navy to use, but the country's foreign minister isn't happy.

The defence minister has once again stressed that China did not breach international law by conducting live-fire drills off the coast of Australia, after the Coalition slammed the government's response to the episode.

Defence officials have confirmed they were notified of China's live-fire exercises at around 10:10am — about 40 minutes after the People's Liberation Army Navy opened a "window" for live-fire exercises.

Australia and PNG are to begin negotiations on a defence treaty in a move that could have major implications for national security and the Pacific's strategic landscape. 

Samoa's government has blamed a Chinese state-backed hacking group for a series of sophisticated cyber attacks, saying it has been conducting "malicious cyber operations" across the Pacific.

Wellington is at odds with the Cook Islands over a looming new agreement with China and the former Pacific colony's plan to have its own passport.

Australia has granted Papua New Guinea a $570 million loan with conditions for stricter foreign investment screening to curb risky projects and China's influence.