WEEK IN REVIEW: A Military Stand-off Between a Chinese-Run Mining Company and the DRC’s State-Owned Mining Giant Gécamines Heading to Arbitration

A military stand-off between a Chinese-run mining company and the DRC’s state-owned mining giant Gécamines is heading to arbitration.  Congolese army forces took control of two of the Australian-based, Chinese-controlled company MMG’s mines in Haute Katanga. After the company’s appeals to Congolese authorities went unanswered, MMG is now hoping arbitrators at the International Chamber of Commerce will be able to resolve the dispute prompted the soldiers to occupy the pair of mines. (CONGO TODAY — in Chinese)

Japan and Australia have agreed to boost security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific in what’s widely seen as the two Quad members’ latest effort to confront China’s growing influence in the region, particularly in the South Pacific. Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese signed an agreement on Saturday to boost military cooperation and intelligence sharing. (AL JAZEERA)