Australia has earmarked A$83.5 million ($54.4 million) to build cyber-security capacity across the Indo-Pacific, saying global cooperation is key as online crimes become more complex and sophisticated https://t.co/ZNqcFzAOqV ...

Group 1 - The 4th China (Macao) High-Quality Consumption Exhibition and Hengqin Global Bay Areas Forum opened on September 5, focusing on advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and supporting Macao's economic diversification [1][2] - Central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are committed to supporting Macao's key industries and infrastructure, with 44 SOEs participating in the exhibition to showcase products and promote high-quality development [2][4] - The forum serves as a vital platform for GBA cooperation and highlights China's high-quality consumption, connecting China with global markets [3][6] Group 2 - Economists and business leaders discussed consumption trends, emphasizing domestic demand as a key growth driver and the importance of quality in Chinese manufacturing [4][5] - Opportunities from the upcoming 15th National Games are expected to enhance sports, culture, and tourism consumption, alongside new consumer preferences for sustainable lifestyles [5][6] - The GBA is positioned to lead China's high-quality consumption and global cooperation, with Macao and Hengqin acting as gateways to international markets [6][7]

Geopolitical Landscape & International Relations - The report highlights the United Nations' 80th anniversary, established in 1945 to prevent future global conflicts [1][2] - Public support for the UN has shifted, with criticism increasing by the 1980s as the organization's mission expanded beyond security to include humanitarian and environmental issues [3] - The US is considering significant cuts to UN funding, including peacekeeping operations, headquarters operations, and foreign aid [4] - The US has withdrawn from UN programs such as the World Health Organization, the Human Rights Commission, and the Paris Climate Accords [4] - A forthcoming report on US-UN relations is expected to challenge the original ethos of the UN charter [5] US Foreign Policy & Budgetary Implications - The US federal budget may exclude funding for UN peacekeeping and headquarters operations, signaling a potential shift in US foreign policy [4] - The US administration has already withdrawn from several UN programs and disregarded UN agreements, indicating a potential realignment of international commitments [4]