BEIJING — Almost all of Australia’s people and defense industries are on the southeastern fringe of the continent. But valuable and vulnerable natural resources are in the north and west, much closer to Asia. Where should the country put the weight of its defense forces? Until now, the answer for the air force and navy has been “mostly in the southeast.” The government, no longer sure that is the right answer, launched a review of military basing on June 22.

It looks like Chinese airlines have dodged a bullet train, at least for now. The carriers have won a reprieve against extreme competition from fast rail on their premier route, between Beijing and Shanghai, with the railways ministry announcing fairly high fares for its imminent service.

Boeing and Avic Aircraft are building a new manufacturing center at the Chinese company’s Xi’an base, where Avic will be taught more efficient production processes by Boeing to benefit both companies. The first project for the facility, which will open next year, will be a new contract under which Avic Aircraft subsidiary Chengfei Commercial Aircraft will build Boeing 737 rudders, becoming a dual source alongside EADS CASA.