The panel of experts, questioned during a virtual meeting hosted by LaTrobe University, set out to discuss the possibility of war in Asia amid surging tensions in the South China Sea.... Professor Nick Bisley, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, said:" Xi Jinping has made a very public and very clear signal that says ‘Taiwan is not a problem that will be passed down to the next generation’.... And, you know, I think that can only lead to something.“ At some point, something w

Obviously it is engaged in some disputed areas," he said.... These submarines are much faster and harder to detect than conventionally powered fleets.... They can stay submerged for months, shoot missiles longer distances and also carry more. Having them stationed in Australia is critical to US influence in the region, analysts say. The US is sharing its submarine technology for the first time in 50 years....