Australia strengthens foreign veto powers

Once local lawmakers pass the law on Thursday, the Australian government will have the power to veto any agreement between local authorities and foreign governments.
Although Morrison emphasizes that the new law does not target any one country, analysts see it as broadly directed at China, and the new law risks further eroding Canberra’s ties with Beijing.

Under the terms of the new law, the Australian Foreign Minister can veto agreements with local bodies “if they adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations” or “if it is contrary to Australia’s foreign policy”.