SYDNEY -- Feeling the heat from an ever more assertive China, Australia is ramping up its defenses -- from cracking down on foreign deals to joint arms development with Washington -- against Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific region and within its own borders.
Ties between Canberra and Beijing have steadily deteriorated in recent months as the countries clash over a range of issues, including the coronavirus pandemic and trade. Recent moves in Australia could further stoke bilateral tensions.
