Latest news for 1 October 2025

UNITED STATES

At attention.

That mystery gathering of US generals we foreshadowed ended up featuring an address from President Trump, who flagged a need to face the “enemy from within”. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Hegseth previewed a series of changes to the US armed forces, including new fitness standards and the end of anonymous complaints. (ABC)

ISRAEL

Waiting game.

CBS is reporting Hamas could present its response to President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan as soon as today (Wednesday), with sources claiming the group is leaning towards a yes. (CBS)

Comment: A week after Netanyahu found himself isolated at the UN General Assembly, it’s now an isolated Hamas facing pressure to accept this deal and end the war.

AUSTRALIA

That’ll do.

Prime Minister Albanese has expressed concern at reports China has banned iron ore imports from Melbourne-based mining giant, BHP. The ban comes amid hardball price negotiations between BHP and Beijing. (ABC)

Comment: There are conflicting reports on whether a ban is actually in place, plus doubts around how long China could actually go without BHP’s supply chain. But the speed of the prime minister’s intervention is a reminder of what’s at stake for Australia: its single largest export line anywhere is… iron ore to China.

CHINA

New guy who dis?

The Communist Party’s diplomatic arm (CPCID) has appointed career diplomat Liu Haixing, a Europe specialist, as its new head. The last guy (long seen as a future FM) hasn’t been seen since July, when authorities detained him for questioning on presumed corruption / party discipline grounds. (SCMP $)

Comment: Liu’s political pedigree is more relevant than any European expertise here: he’s got ties to President Xi, and is a fellow princeling (his dad was a party big shot).

GERMANY

Agent for fire.

A top German court has convicted a former aide to right-populist (AfD) politician Maximilian Krah of spying for China while in Krah’s office from 2019 to 2024. The prosecutor described it as "the most serious instance of Chinese espionage uncovered in Germany thus far." (Deutsche Welle)

Comment: Krah, who denies knowledge of his aide’s activities, is also under investigation over China-linked money laundering allegations.

BHUTAN

Hooking up.

Bhutan and India are building their first-ever rail links, with the initial $500M and 70km (43mi) line due for completion within four years. (The Straits Times)

Comment: Of course, it’s not just about rail. It’s about the ongoing battle for influence between landlocked Bhutan’s two giant neighbours, China and India. India is the dominant player in Bhutan, which doesn’t even have formal ties with China. But China has been trying to normalise ties and finalise its Bhutan border negotiations.

HAITI

Security upgrade.

The UN Security Council has approved a plan to replace Haiti’s beleaguered Kenya-led security mission with a bigger 5,500-strong “gang suppression force”. (Bloomberg $)

Comment: This outcome required China and Russia to drop their opposition to efforts that might stabilise a crisis on rival USA’s doorstep. They both ended up abstaining, which helps them avoid isolation while still critiquing this US (and Panama)-led move.

SOUTH AFRICA

Ambassador found dead.

South Africa’s ambassador to France (and former police minister) has been found dead at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris. (France 24)

Comment: He was facing fresh allegations he tried using his former police minister role to block a criminal investigation.