Chinese report sets a precedent, threatens nuclear non-proliferation

It's Thursday, July 21 and you're reading The Loop, a quick wrap-up of today's news.

A report issued by the Chinese government has declared that the AUKUS submarine deal sets a dangerous precedent and threatens nuclear non-proliferation.

The report criticizes Australia, the US, and the UK over the project, saying it would allow nuclear states to transfer weapons-grade nuclear materials to a non-nuclear state for the first time.

It also states that Australia is intent on developing nuclear weapons.

Richard McGregor of the Lowy Institute said the report was part of an orchestrated campaign against AUKUS by the Chinese government, but he pointed out that China had an argument to make when it came to AUKUS setting a precedent.

There are growing fears about a possible outbreak of the disease here in Australia after viral fragments were detected on imported meat in Melbourne.

The disease has spread through Asia, and any outbreak in Australia could have a devastating impact on the economy.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said the fragments were discovered using routine retail surveillance exercises, and the affected products have been seized from shelves and warehouses.

Senator Watt said that the contaminated meat could be transmitted to pigs if they ate the contaminated meat, even though it is illegal to feed meat, animal products or imported dairy products to pigs in Australia.

Senator Watt announced yesterday that citric acid foot mats would be installed at airports around the country to prevent any fragments entering the country from overseas travellers.

One more thing: Quidditch gets a rebrand.

The International Quidditch Association will change its name to Quadball to cut trademark costs with Warner Bros and distance itself from JK Rowling.

The IQA called out Harry Potter author JK Rowling, saying she has been under scrutiny for her anti-trans positions. As for the sport itself, it's a big deal - Australia's national team, the Dropbears, will compete in the IQA European Games in Ireland this weekend.

We'll be back with more tomorrow.