Australia hid documents about submarine deal to avoid offending Japan

New data shows Australia is second biggest arms importer but deals frequently shrouded in secrecy

The Australian government kept documents about its multibillion-dollar submarine project secret from the public to avoid offending a foreign power, and spent $150,000 over four years to stop their release.

Australia’s growing involvement in the international arms trade is frequently shrouded in secrecy. The government has routinely blocked freedom of information requests for documents on arms deals, including weapons exports to countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, by citing national security or potential harm to international relations.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/2mcqRhB
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