February saw frenemies China and Australia disagree over military exercises and the government introducing new laws to deter extremism.
February 6: Hate symbols punishable with mandatory jail
The Australian government has passed strict new hate crime laws, introducing mandatory jail terms of one to six years.
The laws are focused on punishing those committing offences such as displaying hate symbols, performing Nazi salutes, and terrorism-related crimes.
The amendments follow a rise in antisemitic attacks, including recent arson and bomb threats targeting Jewish communities.
While the government calls these the toughest hate crime laws in Australia’s history, critics argue that Labor is contradicting its long-standing opposition to mandatory sentencing.
Opposition parties, however, claim Labor was slow to act. Despite political debate, the government insists the laws are necessary to combat hate and violence.
February 13: A Chinese fighter jet released flares in front of an Australian military aircraft
A Chinese fighter jet released flares in front of an Australian military aircraft over the South China Sea. This prompted Australia to express concerns over the “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction.
The Australian P-8A surveillance jet was not damaged, and no one was injured. China, however, claimed the Australian aircraft “intentionally intruded” into its airspace and defended the actions of its fighter jet as professional.
This incident adds to a series of tense encounters between the two countries’ militaries in the region, where China’s territorial claims clash with those of neighbouring nations.
Australia, aligned with the US, disputes China’s claims. Additionally, Australia is monitoring the movement of three Chinese naval vessels near its northern waters, emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation under international law.
February 21: China conducts a closely-scrutinised military exercise
China’s naval exercise in the Tasman Sea led to flight diversions between Australia and New Zealand. There were concerns from New Zealand and Australia over possible live fires.
Three Chinese warships had been closely monitored by both countries, with Australia calling their presence “unusual.”
China insists the drills comply with international law, but New Zealand and Australia say they were not directly notified.
The exercise follows recent maritime tensions between Australia and China, including incidents involving Chinese fighter jets and sonar pulses.
Featured Image Credit: Edward Jewsbury
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
