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China relations: The Indo-Pacific ‘fence’ is softening at the edges

Australia and India recalibrate their approach to ties with Beijing.

US President Joe Biden (second right) and First Lady Jill Biden (right) welcoming Australian PM Anthony Albanese (second left) and his partner Jodie Haydon at the White House on Oct 25.

PHOTO: AFP

Ravi Velloor

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It is possibly symbolic of the times that at the Bidens’ White House dinner

for the visiting Prime Minister of Australia,

the United States’ partner in Five Eyes, Quad and Aukus, the live music of the group B-52s was replaced by the more sedate notes of a military band.

The B-52s were invited to stay on for dinner but, given the tragedies in West Asia following

Hamas’ strike on Israel,

their music, which includes hit songs such as Love Shack and Rock Lobster, was deemed too upbeat, apparently.

China relations: The Indo-Pacific ‘fence’ is softening at the edges

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