Defence Minister Richard Marles has commissioned his department to review the rules for ex-ADF personnel following reports that Chinese officials have approached former Australian military pilots. Under the current laws, ex-ADF members are prohibited from providing military training to another government that isn’t authorised by Australian authorities. Marles said ex-Defence Force personnel had an “enduring obligation” to protect state secrets, and he would change the law if any “weaknesses” were found – something Coalition leader Peter Dutton is calling for. It’s yet another pressure point in Oz-China relations just as PM Anthony Albanese is hoping to get some quality time with Chinese President Xi Jinping at next week’s G20 summit in Bali. Nothing’s been confirmed yet, but Xi hasn’t had time for an Aussie PM since Malcolm Turnbull in 2016.

Speaking of the G20, our latest Squiz Shortcut is on this year’s summit and all the awkward diplomatic moments that could ensue. We’ll be on handshake watch…